Chapter XIII: Dawn

"Reed, Korea!" I called. "Get back here!"
"But Papa's home!" Korea squeaked.
"Yeah, Mama!" Reed said enthusiastically. "We wanna go talk to him!"
"Sorry, pups," I said, pulling them closer with a paw. "It's still too cold for you to go out there yet."
"But Mama!" They whined in unison.
"No."
"But-"
"No means no, Korea."
"Papa!" Reed squealed, hurling himself towards Ember.
I rolled my eyes as Korea barreled after him. When the pair had said their hellos they started arguing, again, as Ember trotted around them.
"Hey Mira," he greeted, sitting next to me. "How were the pups today?"
"Energetic," I sighed. "Eager to go outside."
"Aren't they always?" He asked rhetorically, pausing for a moment. "You know you'll have to let them go out eventually, right?"
"I suppose," I said. "I will."
"Well it's too late today," Ember said. "It's almost dark. Maybe tomorrow?"
"Maybe," I muttered reluctantly. "Maybe."
After a few minutes I called the pups back and they laid obediently by my side, snuggling closer to each other for warmth. Ember settled down beside them, while Kana and Valor huddled together with Tanisha and Jay a few feet away.

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"Mama!"
I opened my eyes, sitting up slowly.
"Yes, Korea?"
"Reed went outside!"
I jerked my head up, before setting it down with a sigh.
"Where's Ember?" I asked.
"Papa's with him. They're playing tag," she explained enthusiastically.
I smiled, mentally rolling my eyes. "Well, come on then. Let's go join them."
As we trotted into the clearing I shook my head, sitting back to watch the pups play and let the early morning sun seep into my fur.