Redhawk Caldera hold onto your heart.

Something was different, and somehow he knew. Peter's loss had been heavy on Eljay and it had taken a lot for him to let go of Peter's head — still he was in denial, unable to truly realise that little Petey was dead. He simply refused it and very likely his parents had noticed that Eljay had grown quiet since Peter's death, but also at times referred to Peter as though the little boy was still alive. He'd find something pretty and say, 'Petey will love this' or even go so far as to bringing it to Peter. He'd search everywhere for the little boy.

So far, four of such items had been gathered, kept in a small hollow log close to the rendez-vous site, where they used to play. When he'd find Petey, next time, he'd bringing him the gifts. Who knew how many more of such trinkets would be gathered before Eljay ever faced the truth — if he ever would.

For a change, Eljay was neither silent nor busy looking for Peter, because he knew something else needed his attention. Mommy had gotten bigger and bigger of late and now it was time for her to give birth; an event that she had promised he could be with. So when his father approached him Eljay didn't need to be told what was going on and sped past daddy to go and find mommy.

"Mommy," he said when he found her and he gingerly nipped his mother's nose while he waited, suddenly growing nervous. He didn't know what to do, hadn't had enough time to prepare. He'd intended to speak with Auntie Fox to ask her more about birth, but had been so busy fussing over Peter lately. Now he felt silly for it, but he hoped he could be of some use. And if he wasn't, then maybe he'd learn something today he could use next time, or when someone else was giving birth.