Whitebark Stream It's me defending in suspense

He was attuned to all the sounds and scents around the den at any given time, so he heard his packmate's approach before the young man greeted him. Kavik lifted his head and looked at the yearling, the sight of him causing a flash of sadness to squeeze his heart. His oldest children would all be about the same age; he missed all of them terribly, and hoped that the ones that were still alive were doing okay. 

He nodded and returned the boy's smile with a small one of his own. Sure, he finally answered. I'm Kavik. Maybe company would help take his mind of things. It would certainly be better than moping around all day.