Fox's Glade i had held it a world away

piper moved alongside her, a gentle inquiry on her lips. mona drew a breath. part of her wished to fib a  bit, provide a little white lie that would not sunder the calm of the chilly evening. however, piper deserved a good deal more respect than that, having stepped up into a role for which those her age were not ready. her work had not gone unobserved.
"i am saddened about lucas and worried about laurel, but i am also focused on preparing for winter." this time, mona did hold back her true worry: that they would not be prepared. small game was scarce, and easthollow had more mouths to feed. would they be able to remain where they were and survive?
"how about you, piper?" the mayfair murmured turning to glance into the girl's eyes. the glade loomed not far ahead, and soon they would put aside their woes in search of the elusive beast.