Stone Circle optimist

set in the morning, 7/13

Ever since his first ventures out of the den, Ikiaq had, as expected, been hesitant about leaving again. He was by far big enough to do so, at two months old, but... he was scared. He'd always be scared, most likely, but it was getting to the point that even he didn't want to stay in the cramped den anymore. Not even with Valette, who he cared for, but still didn't match up to what he wanted. 

He'd never have Nanook again. That had sunk in already, and he was no longer waiting for her. No longer expecting her to return to the den and cuddle up with him and his siblings again. But that didn't mean he no longer missed her. His mother's absence would always leave an unfillable chasm in his chest. 

But it didn't have to hold him back forever. 

Approaching the entrance to the den, and finding that he was not struck down instantly, Ikiaq was emboldened. The brown boy stepped outside, feeling the sun warm his fur, and sighed softly as he entered the sunlight entirely. It was... nice. Not as frightening as he thought, but... then again, he was finally doing this of his own accord. This was his choice.