Sun Mote Copse I build 'em up too high just to watch them fall down

It was hard letting Skipjack out of her sight, now that she knew for certain he didn’t possess any of his own. But Meerkat knew she could trust the others in the pack to guide him. Hopefully they could work together to build his independence, though she secretly wondered—perhaps even hoped—that his blindness might meant her son would stay with her longer.

While the kids’ da took them on a midday stroll, Meerkat decided to go for a walk on her own. When she spotted Fennec, she watched from a distance for a moment, trying to gauge whether she looked busy. She didn’t want to be a bother. Ultimately, though, she couldn’t resist the opportunity for a conversation, particularly with somebody who knew what Skipjack faced.

Fennec turned and began walking right as Meerkat approached with an amiable, Hey, Fen.