You know that you’re not supposed to be hanging around him” Ebony said, her voice hardening toward the end of the sentence.

   “Ohh…” Lyric groaned. “I don’t see what the problem is. I’ve known Leo since I was a pup. It was never a big deal then!”

   Ebony said nothing, but gave Leo daggers.

   Leo backed away very slightly.

   “You won’t tell my father will you?”

    “Hmm… no. If you promise to end this conversation now, we’ll forget it ever happened. And Leo, I don’t want to see you with her again! Do I make myself clear?”

   Lyric turned to Leo. “Sorry, Leo…”

   “No, she’s right.” Leo nodded humbly and with that, silently trotted off into the trees by himself.

   “Yes… and that included you too Lyric!” Ebony said sharply, using a harsh tone that only her father would use.

   Lyric was a little taken back by the use of this tone, but then, Ebony was known to be a little temperamental at times. “Yes…”

   “Good” Ebony said smiling to herself lightly. And with that went off again, leaving Lyric to do her own thing.

   Lyric sighed, stretching herself out lazily on the rock she had been sitting on. The sun was shining through the leaves and the air was warm causing her to quickly become drowsy.

   This was when Lyric’s thoughts began to wander…

   “Why is it that the best of friends have to be so far apart?” Lyric thought. “Why is it that nothing ever changes and there are no exceptions? Were there others like Leo and I in the past?”

   Lyric’s thoughts soon drifted to the past. She began recalling memories from a long, long time ago. Where everything was different and everything was sweet.

   In the end Lyric began to drift into a calm sleep. And while she dozed, the rest of the forest seemed to sleep also…

   Lyric was awoken by the howls of her father’s return. She leapt up as soon as she heard the nature of the howls. Something was wrong! Was her father alright?