Nova Peak Long way home

He trailed closer when Bazi reposed nearby and set about grooming herself. The pup firmly planted his bottom to face her and the mountainside above and beyond her curiously bent form. He tucked his forepaws close together and nibbled at his lip when she answered him. That word—"different"—made the anxiety start chewing at his insides again.

"I don't wanna be different," he said lowly, though the silver look in his eye asked an unspoken, uncertain addendum: Do I? Relonikiv shifted, wrapping his tail around himself, eyes fastened on her as he waited for a response.