it's safe now

Summer walked quietly in his haze through the packlands. He was beginning to get the hang of his drug consumption in terms of limiting the amount he took to get the desired effect. It was just enough to put his anxiety at ease, but not enough to leave him drowning in the fog, unaware of how strange were his antics and unnatural wonderment of everything around him. It was a good balance once the initial high wore off, but again he had learned to keep himself away in his den before venturing out and allowing himself to be around packmates. The effects of the fog still lingered, slowing him slightly as though the whole world moved at a pace just a few seconds short of what it should. But all in all, he felt more normal and comfortable than he had since he had been a pup at his mother's side.

The young wolf was debating on what activities to do for the day, whether to hunt and try to stockpile a few caches or patrol the borders for any sign of Ferdie returning to them. His decision was made for him as he caught the scent of a newer packmate and for once, his severe social anxieties did not prevent him from approaching.

"I wonder," the youth said as he stepped up to russett wolf's side, "...if we'll have a harsh Winter this year." Summer often spoke with the words of a much older wolf than his ten months of life, but in truth, the boy had never really been a boy at all.

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