Never had there been a question about whose child she was. From her fur to her eyes, she was Baird through to her blood and bones. She had taken to her father’s heals instantly, following him wherever he would let her, which was not always far considering his job. So she remained at home, with her mother, occasionally peeking out to see if she could find her grandmother. Usually the adventures were unsuccessful, being found out by her father and returned to the care of her mother. Or deposited her directly to Niviaq. He was wary of doing such things, knowing his mother’s age and warning the pup about being too much of a nuisance. Nivi always heeded his words, behaving to the best of her puppy ability. So when grandmother’s call rose through the air, the puppy was instantly on her feet and trying to race towards the call. Behind her, Baird was hot on her heels, his tongue lolling outside of his mouth, pleasantly happy.

In the warmer lowlands of the mountains they came upon Niviaq. Baird instantly moved to his mother’s side and ran his nose over her. He was constantly concerned about her, frustrated that her coat had not grown in properly this year. Brows furrowed, he refused to believe this could possibly be her last winter. Stubborn and hard headed, he put the thoughts from his mind and sat beside her, casting a glance at the voles, a smile still on his face. He knew she had brought them for him, always a caregiver, but would not eat until the others had their fill. “Good morning, mother! Are you well?”

Nivi, a child of light and life, had no concept of the ending of days. She trusted the dawn would always come. Blissful, and still a little rude, the puppy jumped at the voles! Rolling in their corpses as she played with them in her mouth. Consuming one, she jumped back to her feet and ran up to Niviaq, licking her grandmother’s muzzle and face. Thank you Gran! Thank you thank you! Her eyes were bright and cheerful, genuine in every second as she wiggled around her family, too happy to be contained for long.