Tiara blinked, her brain struggling to process the image. The fear that had paralyzed her moments ago began to melt into disbelief. She looked at the flower, then up at the beast’s face. He seemed to be waiting for a reaction.
She reached out with a trembling hand. Her fingers brushed against his callous palm as she took the flower. The contrast was staggering—her pale, shaking hand against his massive, dark one.
[readalso]
As soon as she took it, the gorilla let out a long breath, almost like a sigh of relief. He sat back on his haunches, his posture relaxing. It was as if he had just performed the most difficult stunt of his life.
[readalso]
A nervous laugh bubbled up in Tiara’s throat. It was involuntary, a release of pure adrenaline. She giggled. Then she laughed. The sound echoed in the silent jungle, absurd and beautiful.