Blacktail Deer Plateau Just around the pond bend

Easy looked back at Pema with bright, happy eyes. She was so glad that Pema had shared this with her instead of her dad or someone else. She always felt special when she was with Pema.

The girl padded closer, her steps silent on the mossy floor of the cave, and nestled into the thicker fur of Pema's chest. "Thank you, Mommy," she murmured, speaking lowly enough that she almost hoped Pema wouldn't hear her. She'd never tried to call her 'mommy' before, but it just seemed right at the moment. She'd been thinking a lot about how important Pema was to her while she was away. Catori had kept her company and made her feel better, and she loved Catori, but she loved Pema, too.