Bearclaw Valley one voice tells me that they laugh

Cole’s brows furrowed as he stepped closer, his gaze softening as he looked at her.

Why? he asked, his voice low, careful, not wanting to push too hard but needing to understand.

He glanced at the hare she’d dropped, then back at her, his tail giving a slow, concerned sway.

You alright? The question came gently, but there was no mistaking the weight of his worry. She had done well, better than he’d expected, but something wasn’t sitting right with her—and he wanted to know why.