Drowning in a Pool of Regret
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Walking. So much walking. She had left Tortuga days ago. Or was it longer? She wasn't sure. Paws dragged with every step. Her pelt had dulled, ebony hairs covered with dust and dirt. Skull drooped, eyes weary. She was dehydrated and hungry. Legs barely supported her frame, shaking every step. Audits dropped, even as the sound of the ocean reached her. She only stopped when the dirt and grass became sand. Body collapsed, dropping to the earth with a thud. Lunges wheezed, sucking in much needed air. Muzzle rested on the ground, eyes drifted shut. Just a short nap and she'd be well enough to go home. Return to her children.
Belly contracted painfully. Her children. Muscles stiffened at the sudden pain. She didn't understand. What was happening? Breathing became labored, jaws parting to allow her to pant. She couldn't get home like this, it was too far, she was too weak. She tried to listen, to see what was around her, but all she could hear was the blood pounding in her ears. In an attempt to get to her feet, she rolled onto her belly, pulling her legs under slowly, and began to push up. Legs quivered, back hunched in pain before she collapsed once more. |
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