Broken Antler Fen Did you stand or did you fall?

Something had changed. Though she couldn't see or hear Maia, Sylvie felt her mother's grief.  There was a palpable sadness in the air, and Sylvie disliked the feeling of it. It was almost like the feeling of an empty, grumbling stomach—but much worse than any hunger that she had ever felt. She had never experienced anything like this; her short life had been so easy so far.

She wriggled uneasily under the weight of the grief, seeking comfort. She turned to food, recognizing the temporary comfort that it provided. It combatted the emptiness—but only temporarily.

Latching on and sucking, Sylvie began to nurse, her paws gently poking and prodding Maia's belly.