Wapun Meadow be gentle as you tear me apart

stay with bearclaw, he says. give it a try.

he leaned forward slightly, his gaze never leaving hers, though it softened just enough to make the weight of his words less daunting. girls like you shouldn’t be alone. the world isn’t kind to softness.

his tail flicked once against the snow, and he let out a short, almost inaudible sigh.

find your place with them. let them teach you their ways. you’re probably stronger than you think. maybe not, though.

he shrugs.