Life was comfortable with Mother and Father, ever present, ever loving, ever doting. But Aspasia longed for more. She wanted to explore! The den had grown dull, and she knew she wasn’t the only one in the litter who felt that restless itch. So, with a wag of her tail and an eager smile, off she trotted, right out of the den.

She didn’t quite know where she was going or what she meant to do, but the world beyond was vast, so much to see, so much to discover! Without waiting to see if any of her siblings would follow, she began her descent down the mountain. Should she wander far? Probably not… but where was the fun in staying close?

The weather wasn’t exactly ideal for adventure, yet the soft misting rain felt refreshing against her face as she moved. Sticking out her tongue, she caught the droplets as they gathered and rolled off the pink surface. A giggle bubbled from her throat at the sensation, her eyes bright with delight as she lifted her gaze to the clouds above.