Outside influences, the sooner the better

The boy’s world was growing. Sulfur was blissfully unaware of the adult world and the drama that could be happening beyond his knowledge. All he knew was the safety of the den, the rambunctiousness of his siblings and the presence of his father. And with the days being warm the ability to explore and return to the den as he pleased brought an enjoyment to the dark furred boy like no other. His tail flagged behind him as he sniffed at some of the island plants watching how they swayed in the breeze. The breeze smelled strongly of… salt, his father had said. Which was why he couldn’t drink the water by the beaches. But that was okay. There were plenty of fun looking things close to home to look at, or watch. And lots of other wolves he watched go by too. Sometimes he heard them calling for each other.

But when a call came for him the boy lifted his head in confusion. Wha… why was someone calling for him? Was he in trouble? His small ears flicked back against his head. He was a good puppy! He listened to his father, and he did what his siblings asked. At least the call sounded close. He would slink out of the undergrowth, bright red eyes filled with worry and with his posture submissive, he would find a girl who was about his older sister’s age standing around and waiting? He would approach her, a soft whine to announce that he had heard the call, and nothing more.