We have been traveling north for about an hour. In that hour, my kits have begun to get fussy. Especially Callie. They must be tired. Rita and Lucas are yawning and whining. Callie can't stop crying. I smile. "Don't worry, kits. We'll find the cave soon. Then, we can have a little rest," I whisper soothingly.
"Okay, mommy," Rita and Lucas reply at the same time. Callie whimpers as she slowly stops crying.
I smile at my brave little kits. I keep leading my kits north. We need to keep moving if we're to truly escape my now ex-mate.
A few minutes later, the cave is finally in sight. Rita and Lucas cheer. They try to run to the cave. I stop them. "Wait, kits. It might be dangerous. I'll go in first and see if it's safe," I tell them. I go inside. After sniffing around, I can see that there's no one inside. I can also see that this isn't just a cave. It's a long, mysterious tunnel. That's where we'll go. Inside the tunnel. "Okay. Come on, kits! It's safe!" I call to Rita and Lucas.
They come in, obviously excited. "Wow! It's a tunnel!" Rita giggles.
"Yeah. That's right. Now, sit down. We'll eat in here, then we'll go explore the tunnel," I announce. I put some food out for Rita, Lucas, and I. After I feed Callie some baby food, I begin eating my own portion.
As soon as we finish eating, Rita and Lucas pick up their bags. I put the food sack over my shoulder. I pick Callie up into my paws. Then, I start leading Rita and Lucas into the tunnel.
The tunnel is dark with so many twists and turns. I keep stubbing my paws on the rocks that are hidden by darkness. I call to Rita and Lucas to hold on to my fur. That way, they won't get separated from me. I rely mostly on my nose to find the way through this tunnel. There must be an exit somewhere in here.
An hour into exploring the tunnel, I spot a pinprick of light up ahead. I lead my kits toward it, hopeful that it is a way out. I step out into the light, Rita and Lucas right behind me. We blink a good few times to get accustomed to the light.
When my eyes are refocused, I am surprised by what lies in front of us. There are dinosaurs…everywhere! They were supposed to be extinct! How are they here now!? I look to my kits. They have equal expressions of wonder on their faces. "Wow! Are they dinosaurs?" Rita asks.
"Yes, sweetie. That's why we have to be extra careful. We don't know this place, yet," I explain.
"Will this be our home, mommy?" Lucas asks.
"Yes, dear. Come on. We have to find a cave or tree to make into our new home," I say. I lead Rita and Lucas away in search of our new place.
After about half an our of searching, I spot a hollow tree. We walk up to it. It appears strong and sturdy. I place Callie on the soft part of ground. I climb up the tree. I look inside. There is no one inside of it. The tree also has plenty of room for us.
I climb back down. "Okay, kits! It's time to unpack. This will be our new home!" I announce.
Rita and Lucas cheer. "Yeah!" They climb up the tree, excited to explore. I wrap a leaf around my front to carry Callie in. I climb up the tree with Callie safe and sound. I see Rita and Lucas already giggling at the layout of the tree. I can tell that they love our new home.
I place Callie down. "Alright, kits. I'm going out for a few minutes to look for some bedding. I want you to stay in here until I get back. Make sure Callie doesn't get hurt. Can you do that?" I ask.
"Okay, mommy!" Rita and Lucas agree. I smile before I run off into the unknown world of the dinosaurs.
I return a few minutes later with my arms full of bedding. I am pleased to see that my kits have obeyed me. They are playing inside the tree and, at the same time, watching Callie. I smile. I build our nests. Then, I put food out for us. "It's time for dinner. Thank you for behaving yourselves while I was gone," I thank my two older kits.
"You're welcome, mommy!" Rita and Lucas both reply. They start digging in to their food. I feed Callie, before I start on my helping. It isn't long before we finish our dinner.
I look outside. I notice that it's getting dark. "Alright, kits. It's time for bed," I announce. Rita and Lucas yawn and comply with tired looks on their faces. I tuck them in, watching as they fall asleep. I rock Callie until she, too, falls asleep. I tuck her into her own nest.
I go over to my nest. I curl up on top of it. I wince at the pain of the injuries that Neon inflicted on me. I'm just glad of one thing: It's over. He will never hurt me or my kits ever again.