but within the bile lay speckles of blood, rich and heavy. it'd scared her, and she knew it'd worry Cole sick. and so she covered it up, put on a strong, sweet face, and tried to force it out of her mind.
she hadn't meant to be gone for so long, not really. the wash of the cool water over her paws and belly as she basks in the shallows soothed the sickness. she'd swallowed down bitter tinctures of herbs hastily tossed together and prayed that this cold relinquish it's hold on her soon. and for now, she wouldn't tell her husband. with so much already weighing on his shoulders, she doesn't want to burden him with her ailment.
it would clear soon. oh gods above, please let it clear soon.
she brings a soaked paw to caress her stomach. with a warm, tired smile, she exhales.
please kick a little softer, my doves.laced with motherly affection, with tease. truth be told, she'd face whatever sickness came her way, as long as one day she gets to cradle their children in her arms and sing them lullabies. but even as she settles with a forced smile, she can't help but feel a blanket of anxiety overwhelm her.