Run fast for your mother, run fast for your father
When Colt didn't immediately call Smooches back to her, and accepted Wren's reciprocated love of the creature, she smiled again. "I'm Jesse." She said, looking down at Smooches before back to Colt. But the woman's next question made her smile falter and her brows knit together slightly. She hesitated, fingers still buried in Smooches’ fur as if the contact might anchor her long enough to respond honestly. "Uhh, don’t know, actually.” She admitted, the uncertainty soft but unhidden. Her gaze drifted away from the rancher out towards King's End proper, and she willed a faint, apologetic smile, wishing she could offer something more concrete. “I just arrived. I’m from, uh, Stormbreak.”
Then, a sudden explosion of chatter shattered the end of Wren's sentence. She bristled quickly, head turning as a cluster of squirrels burst into view, their tiny bodies vibrating with frantic enthusiasm. They scrambled over roots and stones with theatrical urgency, tails flicking as they waved their paws and shouted overlapping instructions. One darted ahead only to stop in front of what appeared to be absolutely nothing of importance, while the others gathered in an urgent huddle, chattering as though plotting something revolutionary.
The sight of the squirrels made her press her hand into Smooches' head again, as if she could keep the creatuer there. She hoped the dog didn't take off after the squirrels. But between them, the rancher, and the dog, Wren felt like she was the only one without a plan.
Then, a sudden explosion of chatter shattered the end of Wren's sentence. She bristled quickly, head turning as a cluster of squirrels burst into view, their tiny bodies vibrating with frantic enthusiasm. They scrambled over roots and stones with theatrical urgency, tails flicking as they waved their paws and shouted overlapping instructions. One darted ahead only to stop in front of what appeared to be absolutely nothing of importance, while the others gathered in an urgent huddle, chattering as though plotting something revolutionary.
The sight of the squirrels made her press her hand into Smooches' head again, as if she could keep the creatuer there. She hoped the dog didn't take off after the squirrels. But between them, the rancher, and the dog, Wren felt like she was the only one without a plan.
Wren
Run for your children, for your sisters and brothers
