Swiftcurrent Creek from the mouths of babes

Treating him like an adult, she explained the predicament. To his credit, Relonikiv listened raptly. He didn't understand it at all, however. He could pick out certain words, though their meaning when strung together was quite over his head. He frowned, not out of sadness but consternation. He badly wanted to help his Aunt Bazi feel better, he just didn't know how! The hug didn't appear to be doing the trick.

"Heppy!" he crowed at her, wagging his tail and looking up at her again. He smiled, hoping he might infect her with his own happiness. "Thmi... ile!" he said, taking a deep breath right in the middle of the command to, Smile!