Whitebark Stream It's me defending in suspense

at least a smile was offered, though the man still looked sad. surya came closer and sat, sphinx-like, close by, silent for a moment as he settled in. i'm surya, he introduced himself, glancing over at kavik. emerald met emerald, and he was transfixed very briefly before he could find the words to speak again.

you look like my mother, the yearling blurted, then immediately looked down, sheepish. ah. . .i mean, not like you look like a woman. just—your fur, your eyes. same color.

what a brilliant start! and yet, the admission aloud made him feel a little better, as if his mother's presence was now nearby. he let out a soft chuckle, an exhale through his nostrils, his eyes returning to kavik's face. sorry. i couldn't help but notice.