Redhawk Caldera hold onto your heart.

The second puppy was born, and Eljay's ears perked up, his heart leaping to his throat, as he watched it, hoping that this time it would be okay. His tail wagged gently when mommy informed him of the arrival of his little brother, elation falling over his face. He'd almost forgotten that mommy wasn't feeling well.

Like a miracle, the tiny puppy in the corner started to move, however subtly. Even before mommy motioned for Eljay to bring her to mommy, he was on it, recognising that the puppy was still alive. Eljay quickly moved over, gently grabbed the tiny pup in his mouth and put her down beside mommy and besides its baby brother.

While the third puppy was being born, Eljay gently nuzzled mommy's face, trying to comfort her but, in part, also himself. He was scared and tried to stay calm, reminded himself that the first two pups were doing well too.

The third pup was born and mommy cleaned it and put it by the side of the other two. Eljay's tail wagged slowly back and forth in careful happiness, hoping the fragile balance would stay tipped to the happy side. His brows betrayed the worry in his head though, and it was confirmed when mommy lay back and seemed to slip away.

"Mommy?" asked Eljay, ears falling back and pressing forward again in a display of uncertainty. "Mommy, do you want to sleep now?" There was no response. His heart thrummed in his chest as he crawled closer to mommy and started to lick her nose, hoping to wake her up for long enough to know that she was okay.

"Mommy, should I watch the puppies while you sleep?" he asked between the licks he pelted mommy's face with, his voice rising to a squeak as he repeated — "... Mommy?"