Kala was sick for nearly a week. She must have caught an infection after giving birth to Moonlight. She was cold. Her throat hurt. Her whole body ached. She slept most of the day and night.
Kerchak took great care of her. Every day he would carry her to the river and make her drink the water from there. During the afternoon he would take Moonlight and bond with her. He would play with her near Kala, so she'd be able to see the baby. She knew she couldn't get too close. If Moonlight got sick, they could lose her after all. She was only new.
Five days later Kala woke up feeling 100% better.
"Good morning Kerchak," Kala said.
"How do you feel," he asked her.
"I am feeling 100% better," she said.
"Thank GOD," Kerchak replied.
"Can I meet my baby," Kala asked.
"Of course," Kerchak told her, "Wait right here."
Kala waited feeling somewhat impatient as Kerchak went to get Moonlight from Terk.
"Moonlight," he said, cradling her in his arms, "Are you ready to meet Mommy."
Moonlight made a happy sound. Kerchak carried her to Kala. Before he could say a word she scooped the baby up. Tears of joy fell on Moonlight's face.
"I've been waiting five long days," she said as Moonlight snuggled into her mother.
"She knows me," Kala said.
"Of course she does," Kerchak replied, "You're her mother."
Moonlight made a happy sound.
"I will be back in a little while," Kerchak promised, licking her face, "There are some things I must attend to."
"I shall attend to her," Kala said.
Kerchak licked her face one more time, grabbed a stick and left.
"I know you are too young to understand much," Kala told Moonlight, "When you grow older you will be a great leader."
Kala could hear the soft howls from far away.
"I know it seems new to you. This world is so new. You've only came into being five days ago."
She could hear more soft howling and a thudding sound. Covering Moonlight's ears she looked away.