Chapter 1
Being a mood
Chase looked over at Skye as she tucked into her dinner. While he, as always, enjoyed this sight, the foul mood he could tell she had been in for the last couple days somewhat detracted from its innate beauty.
After dinner, Chase went right to Ryder to explain the situation.
Ryder nodded. "I agree," he began, "she has seemed rather grouchy as of late."
"So… what should we do?" asked the concerned Shepherd.
Ryder pulled out his tablet and called Skye on her pup-tag.
"What is it Ryder," she asked with notable irritability.
"Can you come to the observatory, Chase is worried about you," requested Ryder.
A few minutes later Skye arrived looking as moody as she had been of late.
"What is it?" she asked Chase
"I I've been noticing you've been in a bit of a snit lately," he explained. "What's going on," he asked out of concern.
"Chase," she began with a tone of frustration in her voice, "I am thankful for your concern, but believe me, you wouldn't understand."
Chase was about to respond when Ryder held out his hand to stop him. "I take it this is about your 'issue'," interjected Ryder. "So, tell me, what's this really about."
Skye looked back at him unsure of what to say. Finally, she abruptly stated, "Why should I! You just want to keep me miserable!"
Ryder was taken aback by her accusation. He then took a deep breath to calm himself before continuing. "Don't be silly Skye, why would I want to hurt you? If you're upset about something, I want to know what's bothering you so I can help you feel better. Tell me, what's been bothering you."
"You really want to know? Answer me this, how come I've got to wait several years before I can mate, if ever, when several other canines we know are already doing it!" screamed Skye, half crying.