DODGE

"You're my little darling... I'll call you Dodge, just like your papa..." The red retriever cooed in between her own sniffles and whimpers. At her side lay three motionless red pups, newborns at that, who hadn't lasted more than a few hours outside of the womb. One persevered, the largest of the litter. He clamped his tiny mouth onto his mother's teet with desperation, and at his touch his mother's tearful eyes softened. He got little milk, for she was starved, and her once lush pelt was now pulled taught against her bones. Dodge said he would be back the eve before with a meal for her, but by now she had accepted that he wasn't coming, he never had taken this long. She knew she had to get moving, perhaps the Upwalkers would be more generous if she stood outside with her new son with her. But she'd worry about that later, for now she wished only to treasure her pup, her little survivor. She licked his forehead as he continued to suckle, and she whispered softly in his ear.

"Little darling, little survivor, I will never, ever leave you..."

But she did.