Bearclaw Valley don’t go over the edge

her children grew rapidly, as puppies often did. already they became lanky, leggy things ready to conquer the world with toothsome appeal. what astara wouldn’t give to have their energy these days —

there was an absence keenly felt. astara thought often of her daughter, with various shades of guilt — wondering if, if she had just done things a little different…

astara laid her head down on her paws and peered down the funneled entry of the den. behind her, the puppies slept — and for a brief moment astara was afforded some seldom-seen peace.