Silvertip Mountain Crippled Beyond Repair

Chaska knew he was right. Just as Steady had been right. There was nothing he could have done, nor could do despite how much he wanted to. It was all in the past. He had held his guilt inside. And not just for the boy. But for abandoning his family, his pack. He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

He imagined letting go of something holding him down. He admitted to it. And yet he had not been ridiculed, judged for it. He knew it wasn't that easy, just like that. But he did feel better, to get it all out.

"You're right. I need to get past it." Why hadn't he listened when everyone else told him that Not right away, for it would take time. But Ezekiel was right. They only cared about who he was, not what he did. There was plenty of proof on that. "I..I need time to think on some things." He started to turn away from the water. "Thank you."