Harlow

The Leopard River

He stood at the edge of the water. The sun was just peaking over the horizon. The river ran cold with the snow melt. Spring was here; the time of rebirth, of new beginnings, new life.

Bear padded out of the woods behind him. He didn't say a word, only stared at his mate as Harlow stood in deep contemplation. The water was crystal clear, so that the stones beneath the surface could be clearly seen. Most of them were a deep amber, with scattered dark blues and blacks throughout like the back of a prowling leopard.

"This is it." Harlow breaks the silence.
"This is it?" Bear asks.
"Yes," he turns, his hope and joy plastered across his face, "here."