Alpha was tired of traveling, to be honest. His paws hurt, and he was always hungry. Tired of not havin’ a place to call home, tired of Ma always bein’ so protective about this and that - about how far he could go, - he was just tired of the life they were livin.

They hadn’t seen Eppie, and Alpha wondered if Eppie ran away. I’m hungry, Alpha complained for the millionth time, with a huff as his mother looked back at him - ears goin’ flat. Then she sang, and another showed up, without food.

She was kinda like them, whereas he and Ma had patches of white, this one was ALL white. Her eyes were like two urine spots in the snow. He stepped out from behind his mother to peer at her, boldly.

You’re pretty! Can I take you out on a date? He wagged his tail.