Sun Mote Copse The stars collected, each world accounted for

It was nice to just have some light-hearted playing. With his own babies it was never truly light-hearted. They all struggled with the crushing grief of losing Wiffle, and Eljay worried about them all the time. Even when they were just playing. It was easier to let go for a bit with a pup that stood so far away from all of the grief that encompassed his family, and it made Eljay feel bad that he felt that way.

Eljay smiled down at Bronco when the tickling stopped and Bronco flopped down by his side. He was such a cheerful carefree pup. As Bronco batted at his whiskers, Eljay smiled down at him. Then, rather abruptly, he got up. I should go, he said and he smiled apologetically at Niamh, then at Bronco. I'll visit again, little tyke. Eljay booped his nose gently against Bronco's forehead and then he turned away, seemingly in a hurry to get out of there out of the blue. He suddenly felt bad for being cheerful, like a traitor to Elfie and Weejay, but also a traitor to Wiffle by being happy. He felt the sudden urge to check on Elfie and Weejay, too, make sure they were alright.