Mudminnow River Warmer than a runaway spirit

Her laughter of joy rang out as he spoke, and relief once again ran through her veins. Her brother. A father. A husband. Energy shot through her, and she bowed as if to start playing, then she took off. Giggles rolled out of her mouth. Her heavy burden was gone. She was home. Home. The word was almost foreign to her. Her feet kicked up snow as she ran in large circles, the cold wind ruffling her fur. She ran as fast as her feet would take her, neck stretched as happy tears were torn from her eyes. Her voice was loud as she almost howled her words. "I'm home! I'm finally home!" Exhilaration flowed through her as she slowed her run, jogging up to her brother, nuzzling him once again. She froze for a second, then backed up just a step, looking into his eyes, now nervousness in her eyes. "Will they like me? What if they don't, Mawk?" She searched his face for validation, for reassurance.