Ralsei practices hugging on his dummy

Thwap!

Ralsei dropped the stick and opened his eyes.

No bits had fallen off the dummy this time. Its hat was still sewed to its head. The robe stayed on. The pole was intact.

He let out a sigh. The difficult part was over.

"Sorry," he said to the dummy. "I have to teach the lightners about fighting."

It was important to practice talking, too. Not for the dummy but for Ralsei. He didn't have anyone else to talk to. Yet.

He gave the dummy a pat. "You know how it is."

The dummy said nothing.

"You're not upset, are you?"

The dummy still stood there. Its eyes were fixed in a permanent smile, but they somehow also emitted disappointment. Its scarf fluttered sadly in the wind. The hat drooped slightly.

"Oh, you big softie. Come here."

He hugged the dummy tightly. It smelled like cotton and sawdust.

A needle pricked in his side. He pried it loose without breaking contact.

He finally let go. The dummy decompressed slightly.

"There. Is that better?"

The joy in its eyes was no longer forced. Its scarf bounced happily up and down. The hat was playfully crooked.

Ralsei hummed as he walked away.

He should practice another hug tomorrow. Better safe than sorry.