Hideaway Strath No stranger to pain, though it lessen's some.

Artok dipped his muzzle. He didn't mind the help. Would have liked it years before, but he would take it now. It wasn't her fault for the injury or his attitude about it.

I appreciate it. And so far it has.

Her excitement was contagious and he couldn't keep the smile from his face. He was happy for her. She deserved all the happiness in the world. As far as he was concerned. As did her grandma.

They had made it to the river, and without even flinching. He stepped into the cold, paws, and then chest and then up and over his shoulder. He closed his eyes lazily for a moment as he stood there, the rushing river running across her dead shoulder. It had always been a bit numb, but the numbness had begun to spread.