Stellan was actually having a great time at the party. After he had overcome his fear of that crippled boy and had pushed through the frustration and emotional whirlwind that had followed in the wake of so many new faces, he had grown confident. The overstimulation that had once overwhelmed his system had somehow receded to a background buzz inside his mind; he had met new faces, met new friends, and now he was feeling good.

He all but pranced back to their accommodations, a pep in his step as their Guest Den came into view. But that was not all—someone else was there as well.

Stellan’s eyes narrowed against the afternoon sun until they focused on the familiar silhouette of his brother, Starflower.

What—what was he doing?

His paws seemed to have been swallowed up by the ground beneath him, as piles of dirt lay scattered behind him.

Hey! Stellan called out as he trotted the rest of the way toward his brother. What you doing?