Closer and closer the cloven hooves danced around the innocent flower as the little sheep played their reckless game. It was silly of me to feel bad for the little mountain flora, but I couldn't help myself as I watched it come ever closer to death. My companion had heard my pathetic whimper and was immediately worried, jumping to his paws. Frantically, he asked what was wrong as he whined himself. I, too, stood up and shook my head softly at the eager boy. "Oh, those two are just playing very close to a little flower. They may crush it."

Just as I said it, a loud bleating came from the ewes that had been watching the babes play. We had been spotted! The kids screamed, their play fight forgotten as they bolted away from us. And just like that, the flower was pummeled under the flight of hooves. I sighed, watching the youngsters go, and returned my attention back to Eldrax. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare your friend away."

Watching Tyson and his friend play had been sweet and I felt I had ruined it with my silly obsessions with flowers. I had known it was strange that I loved them so much, even into my adulthood, but it was hard to let go of the only friend I had had when things were tough. I forced the smile to stay on my face as bad memories danced in the back of my mind. I refused to acknowledge them as my attention remained on the pup beside me.