leeli igby wingfeather

I'll put her in charge of the puppies. I have twelve this week that need tending. How does that suit you?" Leeli's mouth hung open. She tried to say something but instead crumpled to the floor. She had fainted with joy.

— Andrew Peterson

She turned around and said, "Is there anything I can do?" It was the only thing she could have said that he couldn't answer with anger, which frustrated Manner even more. If she had asked what was wrong, he would have hurled a perfectly sassy reply right back at her. If she had told him to cheer up, he would have grouched something about how cheery he'd be if he had played with puppies all day. If she had tried to be silly to cheer him up, he would have barked that he was sorry he wasn't in the mood for games. But "Is there anything I can do?" poured cool water on his fire. It told him that she cared. It told him that she saw he needed something, even if she didn't know what. Furthermore, it told him that she hurt with him.

— Andrew Peterson