Blacktail Deer Plateau Into the Light

When he moved nearer, she shifted away slightly, not comfortable with his proximity. She didn't say anything, though she shot him a gentle look of warning. She was tired, hormonal and didn't want a stranger crowding her, even if he meant well.

"Yes," she said a little breathlessly, "everything's fine. I'm just having a bit of a hard time with the pregnancy. I'm small to begin with and then I was injured just prior to conceiving, so it's a little trying. It's worth it, though," she added with a careworn smile.