Redtail Rise Never Bet the Devil Your Head

The chipmunk did not reappear, though Masquerade knew that if they were patient and quiet, something else would come along for them to observe. Still looking at Reki, she motioned for him to lie down fully in the leaf litter. She did the same, doing her best to minimize noise.

If we’re silent and still, they’ll come, she whispered to the younger pup, flashing him an encouraging smile.

Indeed, it wasn’t long before a remarkably fat squirrel appeared close by. Masquerade twitched as she watched it scuttle around in the leaves, gathering rotting berries and stuffing them into its cheeks, causing them to bulge. It made her think of a word she’d only just learned: “glutton.”

Her eyes stayed riveted on the squirrel for several moments before she turned to make sure Reki saw it too, pitching her deep voice as low as it could go as she said, He’s so fat!