Giving Warm Fuzzies
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About the Image
Keeping Serena warm and cozy on this crisp autumn day is the Warm Fuzzies Set, a new release from Sorumin for the current round of Anthem. This adorable ensemble pairs a plush, zippered hoodie with a snug turtleneck underneath, creating the perfect look for chilly fall afternoons. Choose from six coordinating color packs, ranging from classic blacks and versatile neutrals to cheerful brights and soft pastels. Each pack includes four color options, giving you plenty of ways to customize your look. The set is available in sizes for a variety of mesh bodies, so head over to Anthem, grab a demo, and get ready to embrace the warm fuzzies!
And by the way, those adorable hedgehogs have a story of their own. The Little Autumn Blessings pose pack by Luane’s Poses was recently featured at Cosmopolitan, but since that round has ended, you’ll want to look for it at the Luane’s World Poses mainstore. The pack includes the charming tree stump and hedgehogs featured in today’s scene, along with five poses (and mirrors) to help you create your own special autumn moments. Who could resist those sweet little faces?
Complete credits are below the story. Store and event SLurls are available on the Store & Event Links page.
The Story
Serena had been meaning to do something about the old tree stump for months. It sat near the edge of her backyard, not far from the gazebo, a weathered reminder of a tree that had come down during a storm the previous winter. She’d considered having it removed, turning it into a planter, or perhaps finding some clever way to incorporate it into her garden. But other projects always took priority, and the stump remained exactly where it was.
Until one crisp November afternoon, when Serena discovered that someone else had already claimed it.
She’d been walking through the yard with a cup of coffee, enjoying the last of the autumn sunshine, when she noticed a curious rustling among the fallen leaves. At first, she thought it was a squirrel; there were plenty of them around, and Fiona considered it her personal responsibility to chase every single one. But this sound was different, more of a soft snuffling accompanied by the occasional crunch of a dry leaf.
Serena stopped and looked toward the stump.
A tiny, round creature with a pointed nose and a coat of brown spines emerged from a hollow near its base. It paused, sniffed the air, and waddled into a patch of sunlight.
“Oh, my goodness!” Serena whispered. “Where did you come from?”
The little hedgehog continued its investigation of the leaves, apparently unconcerned by the enormous human standing a few feet away.
Then another hedgehog appeared. And another.
Serena stared in delight. “You’ve got to be kidding me. There’s a whole family in there!”
She carefully set her coffee on a nearby garden table and lowered herself onto the soft ground, keeping a respectful distance from her unexpected visitors. The hedgehogs seemed perfectly content to go about their business. One busied itself nosing through the leaves, another investigated a clump of grass, and the smallest of the three appeared to be having a serious disagreement with a particularly stubborn twig.
“Well, hello, neighbors,” Serena said softly. “I’m Serena. I suppose I should introduce myself since you’re living on my property.”
The largest hedgehog looked up at her, its little black eyes bright and curious.
“Technically, I was here first.”
The hedgehog blinked.
“Not that I’m complaining,” Serena added quickly. “You’re much cuter, and less destructive, than the gophers.”
She watched them for several minutes, fascinated by their tiny movements and busy little noses. They were surprisingly entertaining for creatures that seemed to have no particular destination in mind. The smallest one finally conquered its twig, only to discover that dragging it backward tangled it in another pile of leaves.
“Oh, sweetheart,” Serena murmured. “I know exactly how you feel. That’s pretty much how my Monday went.”
The little hedgehog abandoned the twig and waddled toward her.
Serena held perfectly still as it approached, stopping just short of her boot. It sniffed the leather, considered the situation, and then turned around as though it had decided she wasn’t particularly interesting after all.
“Well, excuse me,” Serena laughed. “I thought we were becoming friends.”
The afternoon passed more quickly than she’d expected. As the sunlight turned golden and the breeze sent another shower of leaves drifting across the grass, Serena began thinking about the little family’s accommodations. The stump was sheltered by shrubs, the surrounding ground was covered with leaves, and there seemed to be plenty of insects for them to forage among. It was, she realized, a rather nice place to live.
She pulled out her phone and took a few photographs, careful not to disturb them. Gavin would certainly want to see these. Being a veterinarian, he’d probably have some advice about keeping the area safe for her new tenants.
She opened their message thread and typed, Guess who I found living in the backyard?
Then she attached a photograph of the three hedgehogs.
His reply came a few minutes later.
Well, that’s adorable. Have you named them yet?
Serena grinned.
I’m thinking Hazel, Pip, and Pickles.
Pickles?
He’s the little one. He looks like a Pickles.
Of course he does, Gavin replied. Just remember they’re wild animals, not pets.
I know, I know. No cuddling the hedgehogs.
And keep Fiona away from them.
Already ahead of you, Doctor.
She slipped her phone into her pocket and looked back toward the stump. Hazel had disappeared into the hollow, followed by Pip. Pickles lingered for another moment, sniffing a leaf that was almost as big as he was, before waddling after the others.
“Well, I suppose visiting hours are over now,” Serena said.
She stood, brushed the leaves from her jeans, and retrieved her coffee, which had long since gone cold. As she headed toward the house, she glanced back at the old stump.
Funny. For months she’d looked at it and seen nothing but an unfinished gardening project. Now she couldn’t imagine removing it.
“All right, you three,” she called softly. “The stump stays.”
A faint rustle came from the hollow.
Serena smiled. “You’re welcome.”
And just like that, the Snowfield household had three new tenants, although Serena suspected they had absolutely no intention of contributing to the property taxes.
CREDITS
Serena
Stealthic Flora Hair
Glam Affair Lybra
WarPaint Elemental Eyeshadow
IKON Bliss Eyes
AvaWay Letter Earrings
Ysoral Luxe Bridgette Engagement Ring
Sorumin Warm Fuzzies Sweater Set (NEW @ Anthem)
OSMIA Sofi Casual High Jeans
OSMIA Sofi Warm Snow Boots
Pose
Luane’s Poses Little Autumn Blessings (includes hedgehogs)
SCENE
Botanical Sunflowers
HPMD Sweet Garden Grass 09
HPMD Gazebo
Hisa Autumn Harvest Pack Grasses
LOVE Autumn Dove Grass
Studio Skye Enchanted Woods
The Little Branch Horn Beam Tree
For items worn regularly, please see About the Characters.
For store SLurls, please visit the Store & Event Links page.
