Big Salmon Lake s y m p h o n y

he neared and her eyes closed, daring not to even look at him. her breathing was quiet, measured, and she expected him only to investigate and leave her there. she was not expecting the heavy touch of his muzzle on her forehead, and only practiced submission kept her eyes from flying open to see the looming face above. she held still, and quiet, and did not imagine the lake monsters. 

the stretched out word seemed deafening, now that he stared down at her, and for a moment she was still as her mind worked its meaning and how best to respond. eyes still closed, carefully, she replied, "it's okay." it truly wasn't - nothing about this was ok, but forgiveness, docileness, won more battles than any attempt at boldness. if not win, exactly, then certainly avoided.