The only language I am fluent in

That familiar cry that suddenly rang through the air cut through him like a knife. He'd searched for her for so long that imagining she might be here seemed out of the realm of possibility. He'd never forget her voice, and how could he?, but the kind of relief he expected upon her return didn't quite reach the surface. He was afraid - completely and utterly terrified - though fear was his default state most of time, it was just a matter of how well he masked it. Suddenly it felt like an impossible feat as he rose to his paws and moved to reach the source of the call. Ignoring his mother wasn't something he could do, no matter what difficult emotions it stirred up inside him. She was alive, at least that was what it seemed like; but he couldn't, wouldn't, allow himself to feel happy for her return. Instead he felt an ache stirring deep inside his chest, unearthed by her sudden arrival, and he felt the familiar telltale signs of tears burning sharply at the corners of his eyes.

He was quiet as he moved across the plains and paused when he finally saw her. Where were his siblings? He was like a panicked deer caught in headlights, frozen once he was within distance of her and searching for somewhere to flee, or someone to flee to. Even from a distance he could tell she looked unwell, alive but not truly thriving. He'd seen her like that once before and he couldn't bear to take in the sight again. Another slow step forward caused him to close his eyes, shutting them tight as he waited for someone else to come. He couldn't do this on his own and he truly feared she'd be gone if he looked again.