Fingers

“Fingers… what an odd name,” you muse to yourself after finding out this lioness’s name.

“What was that?” Suddenly she was behind you, clearly having heard your comment. You opened your mouth, stunned by her sudden appearance. “It’s alright, I get that a lot. I can explain, if you’d like.” You nod, still stunned. Fingers smirks and sits down after rolling her eyes at your behavior.

“Many years ago, Nova had a dear friend named Fingers. She was a small cat, a ‘siamese’ cat. Unfortunately, Fingers passed away from kidney failure a few years ago,” Fingers paused, drawing in a shaky breath. “Nova misses her dearly.” The lioness fell silent for a few moments, lost in thought.

“Many years later, Nova founded our pride. I joined her pride recently. My story is similar to the first Fingers. I was with my brother as a cub, but we were separated into different prides as a young age. Nova helped me, and so I joined her pride.” Fingers smiled at you, shyly at first and then more broadly.

“I had no name. My story and my looks reminded Nova of her old friend, and after hearing her story I have decided to take her name,” Fingers explained.

“Now do you understand why my name is so ‘odd’”? You nod again, struck speechless for yet another time. Fingers looked at you kindly, then gets up and slowly walks away, to find another friend.

——
Rip Fingers (??-2018)
I miss you, love. Rest In Peace. 🕊️