Wapun Meadow day after day, alone on a hill

His words brought a sob to her throat. She ducked her head, so as not to show emotion. So simple, yet so reassuring. She felt unworthy of the pick-me-up, yet she drank it thirstily in, hanging on each syllable like a life raft. 

"Thank you, Sunny," she said sincerely. "Thank you. That means more--"

Miyako smiled. "I'm not ready yet. Gonna wander this fall. But if I'm still alone by this first snowfall--" she nudged Sunny on the shoulder-- "I'll be your packmate. Promise you that."

She sat with the gray, smiling. It felt good to not be alone.