Dex had spent years living in the wagon, and by now, they were well accustomed to sleeping alongside the noises of everything that dwelt outside. It had been difficult, at first, to fall back asleep after hearing the scream of a treecat, or the chittering of white skunks, or any of the nameless scufflings that begged the questions of where? and how big? But with time, Dex had learned which sounds were nothing to fu ss about, and which required their attention. The sound of something rapping steadily against the window beside their bed required their attention. Dex’s eyes snapped open and were met with Mosscap looking straight at them through the glass. Every muscle in their body jolted.“Fuck,” they said, before any other thoughts connected.“ Good morning!” Mosscap said. “Are you awake?” “No,” Dex groaned. “What’s wrong?” “Oh, nothing. I’ve just spent a very long time wanting to talk with you and couldn’t wait any longer.” “Uh…” Dex’s brain tried to recall how to think, how to speak.

— A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers (Monk & Robot, #2) (30%)