Moonspear I awoke only to find my lungs empty

Apprehension wasn't a look Meerkat wore often and it felt all sorts of strange on her face. The rapid knocking of her heart wasn't entirely unfamiliar, though it beat with concern rather than joy. All of it made her feel quite out of sorts, so Meerkat was glad when her older brother took over and howled acknowledgement and a response. She just hoped he was right that it was more of a cautionary move than an emergent one. But what about the copse?

She found herself scooting closer, hugging loosely against her brother, as she collected herself enough to add a softly but empathically howled, "Love you!!! Stay safe!!!" If another round of replies came, Meerkat didn't hear, as the rush of rain picked up even more, overtaking all the pup's senses.

Meerkat continued clinging to him, which put her mouth close to his ear. "Are you going to keep patrolling in this?" she wondered.