Maple Grove Pack

(12/7/22) As spring blossomed across the land, Soft Sighing of the Wind knew her time was drawing to an end. After careful selection, she approached a young member of her pack, one of her daughters. The wolf is young yet, not even an adult, but she is sure she's made the right choice. She touches her nose to Falling in Reverse's forehead. "Time for you to lead, my kin. You are strong, smart, capable. This is your destiny."

Falling in Reverse swallows her nervousness and accepts her new responsibility. Once she does, a wave of wind flutters through her fur. Suddenly she is taller, larger. An adult. Neat trick. She looks to her mother. "I am ready."

Soft Sighing of the Wind smiles. "I know you are. My legacy continues with you, my daughter. I am so proud of you."

Falling in Reverse smiles back, though it is a sad one, for she can see the light fading from her mother's eyes. "Go in peace, Mother. You've earned it. Until we meet again, in Paradise."

"In Paradise." Soft Sighing of the Wind exhales the words, and does not breathe again. Falling in Reverse stands tall in the eyes of the pack, her pack. Time to lead.

When summer arrives, hot a humid, Falling in Reverse makes the decision to move her pack to the pine forest, where, under the shade, they can hunt without fear of overheating. The pinesap smells sweet to each wolf's nose, and familiar. They've been here before, many moons ago. Many more moons pass. Pups are born, grow, and set out to find their own packs. The seasons rotate; Falling in Reverse has lost count of how many times. An itch has started in her pelt. One of eagerness to see something new. She sets her nose to the glaciers. Scouts have reported good hunting lands there. Perhaps that is where she will live out her last days before choosing her successor.

For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack. -Rudyard Kipling