Redhawk Caldera Doses and mimosas

She didn't hear Finley's weary answer, having zoned out again. Only when Elwood Jr declared a desire to nap did Wildfire snap out of it once more. She felt guiltily relieved at the opportunity to make her escape. It wasn't (really) personal. She just needed to go off somewhere and have a good think, without others' emotions dividing her attention.

In case her young cousin wanted her to stick around for nap time—and to alleviate any fears that she would vanish into the ether—Wildfire said, "I'll see both of you later," and planted a kiss on the pup's ear, then her aunt's lower jaw. "Don't forget this," Wildfire added, motioning toward the forgotten bone she had brought.

With a distracted smile, Wildfire waved her black tail at her loved ones in lieu of her hand, then skittered away to ponder the very real weight of her upcoming choices.