Silver Creek and I call with all my heart

Snow flew in Everett’s face and he bristled, stiffening against the sudden burst. Ack! he yanked his attention from the skies and curled his body in an arc to keep his eyes away from the last flurries of snow, Evander!

Everett thought of kicking some snow in his brother’s general direction, and would have —

— but it is not of Mother Rain to retaliate, and you are born of her, first among none.

His father may as well have been beside him whispering in his ear, but they were alone. He did not know where their father even was. And while he did not believe the mantra anymore, he put his paw to his face instead to brush the snow dust from his fur.

And you have a knack for finding the most words to complain in, Everett said matter-of-factly, straightening up now that his face was mostly clean. It’ll only get colder from here, so we’d best get used to it now.

He sniffed, and looked around. There are plenty of trees to choose from. I’m sure one of them will be comfortable enough.