Without you without them

As winter crept closer to the ever-chilly north, Ursa felt an urgency to gather. Typically always under the paw of her mother, she could not help but hear the constant worry of having enough. Would the stores be full enough to support the pack? It wasn't a question or worry a pup of her age should ever have, but she wanted to help. She wanted to be useful to her mama because seeing the crease of worry and sadness made her heart hurt. So, though it was late, nearly her bedtime, Ursa slipped out of the forest, through the col, and down to the cove. There she knew she could gather seashells and other sea life to bring back. Trailing behind her was a large sack slung around her shoulders that she was borrowing from Halo's supply storage.

Already, her breath was heavy as her paws touched the glittering sand. An array of reds, oranges, pinks, and yellows cast over her nearly-navy and creamy-white pelt as she traveled closer to the water. Feeling the sand tickle between her toes, she sang a quiet lullaby under her breath as she continued to pick her way along the shore. Choosing the most complete, largest, and prettiest open shells she could find, Ursa felt accomplished. She grew tired quickly though as her pubby fat slowed her down and forced her to pant slightly even though it was rather chilly by now.

Coming to a stop, Ursa finally looks up to see a colorful yearling all by herself. Both ears perk up and her tail begins to wag. Letting out a happy bark in the girl's direction, Ursa toddles over in a way that only a chubby puppy could. "Hi! I'm Ursa!" She nearly chirps in her soft voice as she comes to a bouncy standstill in front of her.