Wapun Meadow scared money can't win and a worried man can't love

his movements stilled as he awaited her reaction, feeling only slightly sad he had lost his end of the stick. she seemed still for a second, and then yipped loudly and swung away in a wild scamper. he scuttled after her in a loose canter, his enjoyment of their caper evidenced by the elastic wag of his rope-like tail. suddenly she was upon the ground and he slowed to a stop, peering at her carefully as she dug her shoulderblades into the ground.

he took one step, careful and deliberate -- and then another, testing her reactions. his pupils appeared wide, his ears high on his narrow skull and pressed forward in attentiveness -- every movement decisive and quietened....

and then he sprung with a snap towards her cheek, his teeth attempting to re-snare the stick he had lost in his joyful folly.