I'm going to give you some character and world bios below, use them for the following prompt: Write the first chapter for a novel set a couple years prior when Cosi is only a 1-year-old and Mipper wasn't yet born. The story should be about Brandon finding out his request to adopt Mipper was approved but not realizing he was a mouse, keeping it a surprise from Cosi,  then show Mipper's mom before, during, and after giving birth to him suddenly in her home ironically right next door as neighbors while cooking before she leaves him at the adoption center. 
## Characters
1. **Brandon:**
  - **Age:** 26
  - **Height:** 5'7"
  - **Weight:** 330 lbs
  - **Gender:** Male
  - **Species:** Human
  - **Appearance:** Short brown hair, hazel eyes, light skin. 
  - **Outfit:** Tends to favor relaxed outfits that prioritize comfort over style, showing he cares more about function for his active life. One of his go-to outfits – a faded hoodie and sweat shorts – is in constant rotation despite its threadbare state.
  - **Role & Personality:** A devoted, young single dad with a playful spirit and warm heart, Brandon works tirelessly to give Cosi and Mipper the best life possible. Often overwhelmed with juggling the chaos of childcare, work, and his own need for downtime, his strength lies in the constant love that pours out with every tired smile and silly game. He's always ready to play or comfort his kids. Whether changing diapers or swinging them high in the air, he is devoted to ensuring a warm and nurturing environment for Cosi and Mipper, refusing to let the town's darkness steal their childhood joy. He can seem naively optimistic to the hardened residents of Willowbend but to him is true willful positivity.
  - **Backstory:** Born to loving parents in a smaller city named Elmwood that was safer, Brandon moved to Willowbend for the college experience at Haven University. At first, he had reservations about the town but grew to love it despite the issues. He just hopes that the town becomes a better place as his kids grow up. His job is as an IT manager for the University as he loves technology.
  - **Internal Conflict:** Brandon wants to believe in the kindness he remembers, yet sees daily evidence that things have shifted for the worse. He wonders if moving back to a smaller town is best for his kids, questioning his every decision with heavy guilt for everything they lack compared to a 'normal' family. Can he shield his kids from the town's rough edges? Does he fail them by not providing the picture-perfect life their friends seem to have? Did he make the right call even adopting Mipper, knowing it could add its brand of complication to Cosi's childhood? Also despite his job, he still often struggles to pay bills and often has to buy his kids hand-me-downs.

2. **Cosi:**
  - **Age:** 3
  - **Height:** 2'9"
  - **Weight:** 30 lbs
  - **Gender:** Female
  - **Species:** Human
  - **Appearance:** Short brown hair, emerald green eyes, light skin. 
  - **Outfit:** A bright, colorful wardrobe reflects her whimsical personality. Most often a purple t-shirt, a short blue skirt, a big blue hair bow, and always a diaper.
  - **Personality:** A bubbly, endlessly curious preschooler who illuminates her home with laughter and play. Cosi sees the world in rainbow colors, with her fantastical stories offering an escape when her young heart wonders about things she doesn't always understand. Puddles aren't just rain, they're portals to another world! Whether caring for her baby brother, Mipper or embarking on grand adventures with her dress-up box and treasured plushies, Cosi tries to find magic every day even when it's sometimes hard. 
  - **Inner World:** While outwardly carefree, Cosi has a profound inner life. Imaginary stories are both an escape from the harsher realities she glimpses from adults and a way to process those difficult experiences with bravery found in fantasy. The recent challenges that come with starting preschool sometimes make her tummy hurt with worry, leaving her to often turn to her imaginary world with Blaze. 
  - **Conflict:** Starting preschool has unveiled a harshness at odds with her home's warm cocoon, the big building scares her and is unfamiliar. She's afraid to be away from her family for long stretches and doesn't want to go feeling like she's letting down her brother by not being there for him all the time but eventually, comes around to it making new friends her age and realizing Mipper will be just fine with Daddy. She's made fun of for not being potty trained like the rest of the students yet, she doesn't know why it's so hard despite trying all the time, it's something she can't help.

3. **Mipper:**
  - **Age:** 2
  - **Height:** 1'3"
  - **Weight:** 15 lbs
  - **Gender:** Male
  - **Species:** Mouse
  - **Appearance:** Emerald green eyes, blue-gray fur, short tail, and small teeth. Being a mouse boy, he's smaller than an average 2-year-old human would be, being more the size of a newborn.
  - **Outfit:** Often clad in just a simple diaper and red shirt in the comfort of home. When heading out, his favorite choice is some jeans overalls. 
  - **Perspective:** Life is simple for Mipper. It's about his adored big sister, the familiar faces at home, small shiny objects as simple pleasures, and the joy of exploration on a scale suited to his size. Loud squeaks and bursts of energetic crawling make him seem the picture of carefree toddlerhood. Yet, he watches others intently, a subtle hint of wonder at the big-folk world that smells strange and sharp.
  - **Connection to Cosi:** While siblings at their age occasionally bicker, Mipper sees Cosi as the source of fun and security, constantly looking up to her for everything and often following her around everywhere, even when she wants alone time, sometimes getting lost in a maze of furniture legs. Her stories provide adventures beyond the house, and she's always ready to help him reach new heights—literally and in learning things in their still-small world. When Cosi heads off to preschool, he often gets upset, missing his big sister, often nibbling on his toys and other items like furniture around the house to find solace as he struggles to cope with the abandonment. 

4. **Emily:**
  - **Age: 15
  - **Height: 5'4" 
  - **Weight: 115 lbs
  - **Gender: Female 
  - **Species: Human
  - **Appearance: Long brown hair often held in a ponytail, dark brown eyes, olive skin tone.
  - **Outfit:** Usually seen in faded jeans and her t-shirts with video game characters or bands on them with a well-worn backpack slung over her shoulder. Some of her clothes even show fantasy elements, a subtle hint of her past.
  - **Personality at First Glance: Emily comes across as responsible and slightly guarded to outsiders. This makes her seem like the perfect "adult" babysitter at first. However, a playful yet quietly protective side emerges with the kids, hinting at a warmth she doesn't easily reveal. She has other friends but not too many since they see her as not that fun with how adult she is.
  - **Hidden Backstory: At the age of 4, she became a younger sister as their family adopted a 9-year-old anthropomorphic dragon boy. She loved her new big brother so much, always playing with him and watching cartoons together. However, just 4 years later, he suddenly died due to heart problems. She had constant nightmares about losing him and felt so lost. Only a year later, her entire family moves to Willowbend because of a forced job reassignment while she's still not recovered, losing her friends just adds insult to injury. She learned to guard her heart closely, afraid of both judgment and reliving that pain, refusing to let anyone else know about her amazing big brother even if it hurt her to hide it. A silent 'wish you could see this...' sometimes escapes her lips when no one else is around as she thinks about her brother.
  - **Connection to Brandon's Family: Initially simply wanting the pay to help pay for a family vacation to her favorite place as a kid with her brother, a theme park she often went to with her brother after scary doctor visits, Emily starts to look for a babysitting job. She discovers Brandon's family and is immediately reminded of her own which makes her take the job. She slowly opens up to their genuine kindness. Cosi and Mipper’s sibling dynamic stirs buried emotions. Seeing Cosi constantly playing with a plushie that is the same species as her dead brother pains her so much. Despite this growing bond, she fears they won't understand her loss, leading to a bittersweet tension of being both close yet feeling deeply removed. This challenges her, making her wonder if perhaps her heart CAN heal enough for some new bonds.
  - **Parents:** Her parents are two women, her birth mom and a new mom. Her birth mom broke up with her dad before she was born so she never knew him. They are both fiercely protective of her having also lost their son and then having to see her struggles afterward plus also themselves dealing with the struggles of being an unusual couple and knowing others around her might judge her because of something she didn't sign up for. They don't like her out late and often are super nervous when going places, afraid of people judging their relationship in front of Emily. This sometimes leads to conflicts between them since she's also a teenager who wants to start being more independent for herself. 
  - **Safe Space:** She often hides out at a nearby walking path, letting her worries subside as she runs along while listening to her favorite music, a mix of angry heavy metal and sad ballads. She learned her love of running from her big brother. One time, she suddenly has to take the two kids with her on a planned run when she wants to be alone as Brandon has an emergency job to do and breaks down a bit, her perfect safe spot "invaded" with her struggling outside worries.

5. **Rylan:**
- **Age:** 13 (at time of death)
- **Height:** 5'0"
- **Weight:** 95 lbs
- **Gender:** Male
- **Species:** Anthropomorphic Dragon
- **Appearance:** Rylan had vibrant purple scales with a yellow stripe that was slightly faded. His wings were small but functional, adding to his regal and imaginative appearance. He often wore comfortable clothes like t-shirts and shorts, complemented by a signature red scarf. Despite his young age, he had a regal presence that Emily deeply admired.
- **Personality:** Rylan was loving, protective, and deeply imaginative. He had a strong bond with Emily, sharing fantastical stories and adventures. His caring nature made him a cherished brother and friend. His presence was a source of comfort and joy for Emily, and his loss left a significant void in her life.
- **Connection to Emily:** Rylan was adopted by Emily’s family when she was 4 years old. Their close bond and shared experiences, including watching cartoons and exploring fantastical stories together, were deeply significant for Emily. His death from heart problems at age 13 was a traumatic event for her, leading her to guard her heart and keep his memory private. The color scheme of Cosi’s plushie, Blaze, reminds Emily of Rylan and intensifies her emotional connection and pain related to his loss.

6. **Laura:**
- **Age:** 33
- **Height:** 5'5"
- **Weight:** 135 lbs
- **Gender:** Female
- **Species:** Human
- **Appearance:** Laura has a warm and nurturing presence with medium-length brown hair often styled in loose waves. Her eyes are kind and expressive, reflecting her caring nature. She dresses in comfortable, practical clothing suitable for both work and home life.
- **Personality:** Laura is supportive and protective, particularly when it comes to Emily. She balances a nurturing demeanor with a strong sense of responsibility, often putting her family's needs before her own. Her kindness and empathy are evident in her interactions, and she is dedicated to providing a stable environment for her family.
- **Background:** Laura, Emily’s birth mom, had Emily at 18 from an ex-boyfriend who left before Emily was born. She later met Sara and they fell in love, eventually marrying when same-sex marriage became legal. Laura's experiences have shaped her into a resilient and loving mother, deeply committed to her family.

7. **Sara:**
- **Age:** 31
- **Height:** 5'4"
- **Weight:** 130 lbs
- **Gender:** Female
- **Species:** Human
- **Appearance:** Sara has a calm and composed appearance, with shoulder-length black hair and bright, attentive eyes. Her clothing style is practical and understated, reflecting her grounded personality.
- **Personality:** Sara is loving and perceptive, known for her ability to listen and provide thoughtful advice. She shares a close bond with Emily and Laura, supporting them through the ups and downs of life. Her nurturing nature is complemented by her practical approach to problem-solving.
- **Background:** Sara was 16 when she met Laura, shortly before Emily was born. They developed a strong relationship and eventually married when same-sex marriage became legal. Sara plays a crucial role in maintaining family harmony and supporting Emily through her personal struggles, providing a stable and loving environment.

8. **Maribelle:**
- **Age:** 31
- **Height:** 4'6"
- **Weight:** 90 lbs
- **Gender:** Female
- **Species:** Anthropomorphic Mouse
- **Appearance:** Emerald green eyes, blue-gray fur, small and slender. Maribelle has a warm, nurturing appearance that matches her caring nature. Her fur is a bit darker than Mipper’s, but still in the same blue-gray family. Her size reflects her smaller stature as a mouse.
- **Outfit:** Often dresses in modest and practical clothing, suitable for her role as a caretaker and neighbor. Her wardrobe typically includes simple dresses or blouses with skirts, reflecting her down-to-earth personality.
- **Role & Personality:** Maribelle is a dedicated and caring mother who has faced significant personal challenges. Despite her struggles with her past choices and current situation, she remains a compassionate figure, often seen interacting warmly with the children in her care. Her maternal instincts extend to her neighbors, where she provides support and understanding. She’s deeply concerned about her children and is always looking out for their best interests, which sometimes causes her to worry excessively.
- **Connection to the Story:** Maribelle lives next door to Brandon and his family. She is Mipper’s biological mother and has recently decided to keep her newborn daughter, Maria. Her relationship with Brandon’s family is a mix of familiarity and tension due to the secret she harbors about Mipper’s origins.

9. **Maria:**
- **Age:** Newborn
- **Height:** 1'0"
- **Weight:** 5 lbs
- **Gender:** Female
- **Species:** Anthropomorphic Mouse
- **Appearance:** Emerald green eyes, blue-gray fur, very small and delicate. Maria’s fur color closely matches Mipper’s and Maribelle’s, creating a visual connection among the family members. As a newborn, she has a soft, fine coat and tiny, expressive features.
- **Outfit:** Typically dressed in soft, comfortable clothing suited for a newborn, such as tiny onesies or soft blankets.
- **Role & Personality:** As a newborn, Maria is still developing her personality. However, she is already a symbol of Maribelle’s new beginnings and the hope for her family’s future. Her presence brings a new dynamic to the family and to Maribelle’s interactions with her neighbors.

10. **Blaze:**
  - **Height:** 10"
  - **Weight:** 1 lb
  - **Species:** Dragon
  - **Appearance:** Purple fuzzy fabric with a yellow stripe that's slightly faded. It's been repaired a few times: One wing shows signs of mending, a patch covers a torn scale, and the tip of one ear has a noticeable chew mark on the tip from Mipper gnawing at it once.
  - **Role in Cosi's World:** Blaze isn't merely a toy, but Cosi's loyal companion in imaginative adventures, the worn scent of cotton and lavender soap comforting Cosi. She imagines the plushie as a girl like her. Her bravery knows no bounds, facing anything from imaginary foes to cuddling close during stormy nights. Cosi projects her heart onto Blaze. Sometimes a brave princess, sometimes a scared friend needing reassurance, her simple sound effects (growls, whimpers, or the occasional encouraging word) and occasional few words "spoke" reflect Cosi's ever-changing needs. Even as Cosi grows up into an adult, she still imagines them as a young dragon girl and struggles to get rid of them as it feels like abandoning a long-time friend who was there through thick and thin.
  - **Role in Mipper's World:** The mouse toddler views Blaze differently, enjoying how soft and squishy they are. Initially seeing him as a rival for Cosi's affection, he soon befriends Blaze but imagines him as a tough yet comforting male dragon in his play. As he grows up, he loses interest in the plush, unlike his big sister which sometimes causes conflict between the two as he finds her continuing to have an imaginary friend to be childish.
  - **Role in Emily's World:** Sometimes, watching Cosi play, memories stir in Emily's eyes - ones Blaze doesn't know and couldn't comfort her with. At times, the joy Blaze brings Cosi clashes painfully with her unshared memories. The worn-down nature of the plushie just reminds her how her brother hurt so much as he was dying.

11. **Samantha:**
  - **Age: 17
  - **Height: 5'7" 
  - **Weight: 120 lbs
  - **Gender: Female 
  - **Species: Human
  - **Appearance:** Red eyes, pale skin
  - **Outfit:** While in school, the standard school uniform with a stiff collared shirt and pleated skirt. Outside of school, she often wears expensive dresses.
  - **Personality:** High School Bully, often makes fun of Emily and one of the few people who knows of Emily's dead brother, often using revealing the secret as Blackmail to bug Emily. She's very tough and preppy. She hates anthropomorphics like Emily's brother and Mipper calling them freaks and believing they shouldn't exist.

## World
**Town Name**: Willowbend

**Overview**: Willowbend presents a charming veneer of picket fences and leafy boulevards. Within its growing suburbs and revitalized downtown, however, an uncertain change ripples through the community. Though laws offer equal rights, personal prejudices simmer as anthropomorphic families become commonplace. 

**Size & Demographics**: A city transitioning from sleepy town status (think: population 50-100k). Mostly human, it boasts a growing significant anthropomorphic population. While newcomers continue to arrive, many Anthro families have multi-generational roots within Willowbend. Economic differences are noticeable, pushing some families into less desirable areas.

**Points of Interest**
  - **Downtown Core**: Revitalized historic buildings house boutiques and modern offices. While bustling, a lingering air of small-town judgment clashes with the diverse crowds.
  - **The Edgewater District**: Where old Willowbend meets new. Once a working-class quarter, it now offers artsy shops and cafes alongside long-established communities and small mom-and-pop stores fighting to stay open with the rising rent costs. This vibrancy attracts younger folks, but some longtime residents see it as a harbinger of unwanted change.
  - **Haven University:** Inside of the Edgewater district is the local university which often draws younger, more open-minded folks from out of town and even sometimes abroad, making it a microcosm of Willowbend's struggle with change. Student activism groups highlight this.
  - **Riverside:** This expansive stretch along the river features parks and the classic diner. This should be a welcoming public space but reveals divisions, groups self-segregating subtly.  
  - **Worn Neighborhoods:** Older houses and potholed streets mark less affluent areas, reflecting economic disparities. Often home to more Anthro families due to limited opportunities. 

**Signs of the Divide**
  - **Neighborhood Dynamics**: Nicer suburban lawns might sport the occasional divisive political sign masked as concern for 'property values' or 'safety'. 
  - **Old Buildings, Fresh Graffiti**: Scrawled messages with thinly veiled bigotry appear periodically before being covered. It's a microcosm of everyday casual 'Species-ism'
  - **Undercurrents:** Seemingly friendly remarks tinged with surprise ("You speak so well!" Or "Your kind is always so polite") reveal lingering biases despite surface friendliness.