His mother, when she was still alive, once told him what loneliness was. He thought back on the memory of that day, when he was still young and learning about emotions, and what they meant. “But why, ma? Why do people get lonely like that?” He said, looking up at her as she brushed some knots out of his fur as they sat together in their living room. “It just happens, sweetie. We all get like that sometimes.” She brushed the tangles out of his mane. “What do I do if I ever get.. lonely?” He said the word, and it tasted unfamiliar. “Just know I’m always here for you, no matter what. I will always be by your side. And your ancestors, too. Your grandma, Alkina, she is always with you, too.” She smiled down at him.