they're just living in my head

Ebony dipped paws shuffled behind her larger form until he emerged into the wider and more open space known as the Serpent Plains. He pleasantly inhaled a long breath of chilly air before letting out the stuffy air that had accumulated from his den. Ignoring the refreshing breezes that nipped playfully at his fur, he turned to look at the female whose intriguing fur shone in the beams. Now, in full light, he could truly look upon her unique colours and take in every detail of them. Because of this, he almost misheard her following question. Their conversation still remained on the same path topic-wise, although her query had led it from a dark and almost saddening discussion to a rather light one. Their chat began once more; was he once close to his mother? To be honest, it depended on what one defined "close" to be. He reckoned his mother passed away when he was season or two old. There were a few memories he could recall with his mother - exploring outside the den for the first time (which concluded with a healed injury), listening to stories about his father and sitting together for general pack meetings and announcements. Reflecting upon these memories, it didn't seem like he spent a great deal of time with her, which brought remorse to his current mood. After thinking about it, did it really matter if he hadn't spent much time with her? He slowly came to realise what truly made him close with his mother. On the day of her passing, so strong and distinct in his mind, he remembered letting loose his emotions and crying. No-one else had cried, not even Alvin. Was that what love was?

"Well, she left when I was pretty young so I never spent much time with her. I guess it's the love that truly matters; that's what made me close to her." His leafy gaze wonderfully twinkled in the remaining sunshine as he answered her inquiry with gentle warmth in his tone. All of a sudden, his words and voice came so naturally to him, which was surprisingly rather unusual. He enjoyed talking but it never came as an authentic "talent". Perhaps it was because he spoke with passion and honesty, another two virtues that mattered and made a difference.