She could do things, and she wanted to prove it! Day after day Vitaliya had stayed next to her, worked with her, and spoken to her with the utmost kindness. For all of her remembered life the red angel had been her guardian and her guide, bringing her from the darkness life had left her in! There was nothing Vitaliya could do that would tarnish the young girl’s vision of her. The words of encouragement whispered through her mind while the support at her side held her up through her trials. Moteuh could feel herself getting stronger every day. Her body slowly starting to learn to move around its disfiguration while still struggling with the natural bone movements of growth. Still there were days she would walk a pace and be left breathless on the rocky ground, trying not to weep for the pain in her chest would only be doubled. Still, the angel’s words of encouragement kept her alive, kept telling her one day she would be great again! Today would be one of those days!

Vitaliya had seemed on edge for the past couple of days. Even Moteuh’s insistence on playing with leaves and twigs were not enough to brighten the brooding woman. Unconcerned, but plotting her own deeds, the pup entertained herself instead, bright eyes occasionally slipping to her caretaker to see if she would leave any time soon. At last it seemed as though the russet lost patience. With a quick word to Moteuh, she slipped off early in the morning with a promise she would be back soon. Moteuh grinned, her tail beating on the ground. Hopefully not too soon! As soon as Vitaliya had walked away, she struggled mightily to her feet. A quick pant to catch her breath and she determinedly limped out on her own! Each struggling step multiplied the excitement within her! Breathing hitched nearly to painful as her heart raced in her thrill! She was walking without Vitaliya’s help, and she would make it to someplace new!

All day she limped, taking time to try to catch her stunted breath. Never had she gone so far without help and she could feel the strength starting to quickly seep from her body. Unaware of the shifts in terrain (she was too focused on step-step-breathe) she finally collapsed amongst trees and brush. For a moment she felt a little fear. This was a place far from the safety of the placed Vitaliya had taken her and the pack did not know she was here. Thinking quickly, she spotted a brush was beautiful flowers blooming from its branches. She brightened hopefully. This could cover her scent and her as well until someone could come and find her! She would be safe in its shadows, finding cover when she was alone. Just like she had been taught. Unsure if she had the strength to make it even those last few feet she wiggled the best she could, slowly but surely struggling to make it to safety.

At last she flopped into the brush, content at last to be able to rest she could eventually try to make her way home. Her eyes lidded and she dozed under the flowers, happily listening to the birds and the bees fly by, wishing she could be as light as they were. Until a sound startled her. At first she leaned away, deeper into the leaves, hiding from the newcomer. Bright eyes watched him closely as he backed away and she relaxed with the distance. Lowering her scarred head, she looked up at him from the ground. Hello…? She called in her soft, ragged and gasping voice. W...who are y...you…? Unseen, but possibly heard, her tail wiggled in a hopeful and friendly greeting.