Dawnlark Plains What does this mean?

he sought out pema the next day. grayday's unexpected death had left the weight of responsibility heavy on her shoulders, and with the pups soon to come, it was a monumental challenge for her to take on. not that he didn't think she could handle it--aditya thought she was perhaps best equipped--but he did worry about stress wearing down his friend.

adi found her low to the ground, face contorted in pain. he thought something might be physically wrong and rushed toward her, crouching down beside her. "pema," he murmured, eyes meeting hers. "pema, are you all right? what can i do?"

he had decided he wanted to help raise the litter left behind; that was his primary goal. they still had catori, but he hoped dawn would join them as well. it would be a way to prepare for their future children. but if there was more he could do, especially to assist pema, he wanted to do it. it was time to step up.