Cedar Sweep You don't make a sound

late afternoon, 40F, clear

She didn't often wander from the Strath, but she had an itch to explore today. She wouldn't go far; she was still close enough that a call would bring her pack to her in no time at all. But it was nice to be out and about, even if the weather was already promising spring was just around the corner. She hated the warm weather, but she couldn't regard the season with as much disdain as she normally did—this year, it would bring her first litter with it, and she couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nerves. Her rounded sides only added to her excitement; it meant the pups still grew within her. The thought gave her butterflies in her stomach. 

Her mind sifted through different baby related things as she moved through the forest, but she kept a constant eye and ear out for danger. She had more than just herself to protect right now. Eventually, she found herself in front of a large stream. It flowed quickly and large chunks of ice moved along with the current. Soon it would swell and flow even faster with the melted snow from the mountains. 

She looked around a few times and then lowered her head to take a drink. The icy liquid felt nice as it settled in her upset stomach; it seemed it was the only thing she could successfully keep down these days.