Drop Bear Attack

His demeanor when he approached was simply not Mort. Usually he could brush a reprimand off quickly and continue being his normal, bubbly self. Not this time. As he curled himself up before her and placed his head on her paw, the big woman looked down at him. She could see the tears in his eyes and a frown crossed her features.

Lowering herself beside him, Resin lifted one thick foreleg and pulled the boy close, tucking him against her. Her dusty blue nose snuffled atop his head and she released a rumble in her chest. "Tell me what's wrong."

There was no doubt that he would tell her. Mort wasn't the kind to hide things, especially not from her. He spoke; she listened. That was how it went. She waited now for him to begin.