Firestone Hot Springs leave the weak, leave the young

He mimics Phillip's movement as he listens, albeit more slowly. His ears lift as his head drops to his paws, standing tall by the time his friend finishes. It's not embarrassing, he tells himself, it's normal, he thinks so too. But that doesn't explain why his heart is beating so fast.
I'm fine, He says, sucking in a breath and burying his head between his paws. This was a mistake. But he's trapped now, Phillip is awake and looking at him and much too close to him — and it's his own fault. He can't be upset with anyone but himself.