Big Salmon Lake I moved to california in the summertime

Kallik didn't care for the heat really at all. His coat was thick—not meant for the summer season. As the hottest part of the day came, dragged on, and then finally started to give way to sunset, he had made his way to the big lake in the middle of the valley. 

He wasted no time once arriving, and immediately trotted into the lake, stopping only once his shoulders were submerged. He had to paddle to keep his head above water, but as the cool liquid saturated his fur and moved over his warm skin, he released a long, relieved sigh. 

It was a bit before he caught Merrit's scent but when he did, he immediately pulled himself out of the water. He was eager to see his cousin. It had been a full day at least since he talked to anyone, something that didn't always bother him but had today. 

Once he reached the bank and stepped on to the sand, he shook out his coat and quickly made his way up to where the scent trail wafted from. 

He offered only a quiet chuff as he moved to settle down beside his cousin. His gaze lifted to the sky. Soon there would be stars and it would he time for his nightly ritual of studying them.