Facing Facts

[Hyacinth]

The drive along the coast as we made our way back north was mostly silent. We are all weighted down with the knowledge that this may be our last peaceful moment together.

So we try to make the best of it. We made a few touristy stops, including a stop at a pancake house with three dozen types of homemade syrup, and a trinket shop where we could get matching shirts. After stalling for as long as possible, we eventually hopped into the car one last time and began the final leg of our journey back home to Gold River.

My mate and I both have a lot on our minds, our faces lined with worry. Bash, sensing our unease, amuses himself by reading the signs that announce each time we enter the boundaries of a new pack, a game we had started back when we were rogues and we didn't know where we might be going next. I would read the signs and he would read them with me. Now he is doing it for me. He is such a kind and considerate boy.

“Summer Song Pack,” he recites. “Population 2,251,” o