“We haven’t spotted it again,” he said. “But our patrols are keeping an eye on the hills. The mother’s strong enough to look after it, and that’s a good sign. If she’s alive and moving, the rest will fall into place.”
Catherine exhaled slowly. “Good,” she whispered. “That’s good.” The ranger tipped his hat. “Try not to make a habit of this, Ms. Morrison. Leave the rescues to us next time.” When they left, the silence that followed felt deeper than before. That evening, Catherine sat on her porch as dusk settled over the settlement.