Bearclaw Valley You ask me what I'm thinking about,

Cole paused mid-dig, glancing down at the silver pup. Her gaze was sharp, her curiosity unmistakable. He tilted his head, studying her for a second. Adalynn, right? he asked, more to confirm than anything else, a gentle note of uncertainty coloring his voice.

When she nodded, he resumed his work, scooping another pawful of dirt aside before tossing in a few more bones. Habit, more than anythin' else, he said, his voice quiet and steady, as though sharing a secret. Burying what's been left behind. Keeps the valley clean. Keeps predators away.

There was something almost reverent in the way he went about it, a rhythm in his work that came from years of the same motions.