Cast of Characters
No drifter drifts alone — even a fictional one. The companions of the canopy.
Pip the Firefly
Camaleo’s smallest friend and brightest light. Runs an unlicensed lantern of exceptional quality (“some things are not for sale”). Narrates nothing; glows approvingly at everything.
Moss Mother
Remembers everything, including Camaleo’s hatching. Speaks rarely, in layers, like sediment. Her advice is always correct and never hurried.
Toco the Toucan
Knows everything before it happens and tells everyone immediately after. Camaleo forgives the noise because the news is always good.
Old Bark
A branch with opinions and the patience to outwait them. Taught Camaleo stillness with the immortal words: “sit down, shut your eyes, you’re welcome.”
The River
Remembers everything, says Camaleo. The River itself has never confirmed this, which — Camaleo notes — is exactly what a river that remembers everything would do.
The Young Shifter
Unnamed by choice (“names are just colors that stuck”). Asked to disappear; learned to be seen. Its bright-red days are now a grove holiday.
All characters are fictional, including the river. Especially the river.