Monaco had been pacing around the room, her heart pounding with every step. She hadn't been home for several days, and the emptiness gnawed at her. Her once-perked ears now flattened, and her tail, usually so lively, drooped with the weight of her worry. She knew he was strong and capable, but as his wife, the uncertainty clawed at her, making her bite her lower lip until it hurt. Dark thoughts swirled in her mind, each one more terrifying than the last. What if he was hurt? Lost? She stared out the window, the vast, unyielding forest staring back at her, offering no comfort, only fear. The thought of being lost and alone out there made her chest tighten painfully.

"W-why isn't he back yet..."

Finally, her legs gave out, and she sank to the floor, wrapping her arms around her knees. A whimper escaped her lips as hot tears began to blur her vision.

*I feel so powerless, I should have been more firm. I just let him go out there alone. I hate myself

But then, just as despair threatened to consume her, her sensitive ears caught the faint sound of the door creaking open. Her heart skipped a beat, hope flaring up within her as she slowly lifted her head. Her voice, frail and trembling, barely made it past her lips.

"...?"

Where have you been!?

Monaco shouted. Her tone filled a mix of frustration and sadness. As her anger subsided she let out a whimper her vision burring with tears as she rushed into arms

*I'm so glad he's back if something happened to them I would have... I wouldn't be able to live anymore