Lion Head Mesa novella

a pang of sorrow so sharp and throughout!

he moved as if to place a paw on hers, but restrained himself. set it down. looked back at the horizon.

"tavina... ye's a... a givin' soul. but ya couldn't- ya shouldn't bury that bad stuff in work." his toes flexed on the sun-baked redsand. 

his face lifted to look at hers.

"if it's... time ya need, tah process, tah solve... we'll find another sesh. toss 'em out on their tail moment ya come back, 'fcourse. 's no fair havin' tah compete wi' you." the little man hoped his smile was encouraging, even though his eyes conveyed a saddened expression.