Larksong Grotto With apple blossom in her hair

indra too had heard the howl, and knew immediately the source. she stopped, ears half-cocked in disbelief.

mom?

she looked slowly about her; around her the tall pines rose in grim solitude -- the gnarled ledge-ridden ridge sloped in the distance. not a bird, not a soul -- just the open pale blue sky and the howl.

"MOM!" indra started, erupting from her trance. "MOM!" she gasped again, now galloping blindly. it was not thought or reason that compelled her - it was a basic need, instinctive and unbidden for a child to be within proximity of her mother.