(forward dated to 6/16)

Her head snapped over immediately, ears perking high as her gaze searched for the source of her name. Ana! the greeting came with bright excitement, followed by furious tail wagging. She barely had time to brace herself before her sister barreled at her, and there was a brief moment where it looked as though she might actually stop in time, until reality proved otherwise.

Oof! The collision sent Scarlett sprawling backward in a tangle of paws and fluff. For a second she simply blinked at the sky trying to process what had happened. And quickly a fit of puppy laughter burst from her as her tail thumped wildly against the ground. She scrambled upright, wobbling before managing to plant all four feet firmly beneath herself, her eyes shone with delight as she pressed her nose against her sister's cheek in greeting.

What play? she asked, curiosity overtaking excitement, her head tilting so far to one side it threatened her balance. Bug? Chase? Run? but without waiting for an answer her attention shifted to something moved near her sisters paw; a beetle crawling across the den unsuspecting, Scarlett gasped.

LOOK! carefully, and oh so gently she brought her nose down toward it to investigate.

—