Otter Creek It always runs back but it's never quite the same

She had followed Monarch's scent to the creek before it disappeared, and now she walked along the edge of the water, searching for any hint of where her daughter might have gone from there. She searched for signs of Mesa and Ego, too, hoping that the universe might take pity on her and give her even one of her children back. She was beside herself with worry over what might have happened to them. Her stubborn daughter, she knew had probably wandered off, and Taki hoped she would find her way back soon. She had no idea what kind of dangers lurked out there for a wolf so young. She worried the same about Mesa as she did for Ego: that they were both injured and alone somewhere. She hated it; she wanted them all home safe, and she wouldn't give up looking for them until they were. 

Nightfall was not far off, the temperature seeming to fall with the sun, not that she minded. Cold didn't bother her; even now with her way too thin frame hiding under her thick coat, she didn't feel the cold that much. This was nothing compared to winters up north, and if she hadn't been so consumed with with worry over her missing children, she might actually enjoy the chilly evening air. But all she could think about was tracking, her nose to the ground as she continued her search. Eventually she would give up for the day and return to the hollow, but not before she exhausted every second she could spare.