Spotted Eagle Mountain The weak breeze whispers nothing

The arrangement was fine. Annoying, but fine.

Once upon a time, it had been an adventure to see one parent or the other, to journey to some new territory. Now, it was little more than a chore. 

At the call, Killdeer trudged his way up out of the canyon and upon the adjacent peak's slopes, forcing a smile when he finally saw his father. He picked up the pace, trotting toward the scarred golden man before pulling to a halt and giving a brief chuff, tail wagging.

Hey, Dad, he said in greeting. How's it going?

And yet, there was a part of him deep within screaming that it all could be better if they were together and he could just. . .say anything he wanted to his parents, with them by his side. Always.

Was that too much to ask?