Whitefish River you're the truth that's breaking me and keeping me together

Riley might have been slow, but he didn't miss the conflicting emotions that dueled across Charles' face. First, submission -- followed by an uptick of defiance that set Riley aback.

His hardened gaze softened minutely; just enough that Charles might be perceptive of it but not in the clear from Riley's anger, either. The yearling felt his fur inflate as he registered Charles lived near here -- no! He had made a life for himself, and he didn't want anyone from his old life to come back. "Why?!" Riley blurted, feeling a cold hand of dread seize his stomach and squeeze it maliciously. If Charles was here, that meant Laurel too -- and Riley didn't want anything to do with his family. Not anymore.

"Is mom with you?"