Keeper’s Finder

Keeper’s Finder by Togi Kayako (土宜草子) first appeared in issue Issue 103 in 2023.

Summary

Thimble spent more time in the forest than their parents would like, especially since they hadn't found their name yet, let alone decided if they were a man or woman. What they do manage to find in the woods is more precious than anything.

M/NB | 10,475 words

Author's Notes

This one's a bit of an outlier for me as it runs more on the bittersweet side of happy than I usually write. Off my own beaten path, I suppose? I did a bunch of challenging things in making it, and while the end result isn't perfect, I'm pleased with it. Happy Pride, particularly to everyone who is in their own imperfect situation and finding some joy anyway. Thanks to Ramy for beta reading, and my husband for both support and indignation on behalf of my fictional characters.