this tragic affair

She had once found sleep with ease, had ventured into a downward spiral and would remain there for days, but now it is difficult; she is riddled with troubles and too lucid to ignore them with slumber. A sigh rumbles from her jaws as she rolls over, fitful in her den and squeezes her eyes shut once more, ears pinned against the pale expanse of her skull, and she wants nothing more than to find the ease of sleep yet again. It does not come, and she drifts in and out of a daze for a time before nearby footfalls rouse her light rest, her ears lilting up and an eye peeking open; her muzzle lifts, and she catches sight of a familiar dark shape outside, resting under the waxing rays of the sun. For a moment she is still, as though he is a deer in the headlights and the slightest movement will make him flee, but then she unfurls herself, crawling forth upon her belly and halting still mostly inside the den, her muzzle settling down on the rise of the entrance as she ventures a cautious smile and a hesitant murmur, "hi."

Table by Azil