somewhere only we know

Life was strange without his mother around. Before her absence had been obvious, Spirit had been trying to step outside his comfort zone and learn. He'd met at least two wolves now who had been kind enough to give him lessons - one he even considered a friend now - and he felt like he was making decent progress. At least, had been. Once he really noticed his mother wasn't around, in a more permanent way. She was gone, which left him feeling empty, and hearing Theory call all of them to gather did little to lighten his mood. He couldn't bring himself to hope his mother might be there, though he knew his siblings would be. That thought was as worrisome as it was comforting.

Letting out a sigh, he headed toward the thicket, surprised she was calling them so far from home. He was getting better at exploring unfamiliar lands, less worried now about losing his way, though he rarely went that far from home anyway. Once the gathering came into view he slowed, feeling his nervousness begin to grow. Normally he'd find his mother, but now... now what? His gaze darted to and fro, finally settling on Gloom, who was lying away from the rest of the group. She didn't look well - not unlike how he'd look when he'd first returned here. Quietly, as if terrified she might ask him to leave, he closed the distance between them and settled down close to her, silent but glancing at her with an obvious question in his eyes. If she wanted him to leave he would, but he didn't want to feel alone here, and he hoped she felt the same.