I’m safe in my home. I’ve made it carefully with two entrances, each one skillfully hidden so I can go in or out whichever one is closest. I have rooms of food, carefully lined to keep the food dry until I need it, and enough to last until next gathering time. And, my sleeping room full of soft fibers to snuggle in, to curl up and stay warm. This is a good life. I won’t need to go out until cold time is over. It will be over, I know that now. This is my second cold time on my own. I’m grown now, I can do this.
When cold time is over I can go out again, explore, and find new places, maybe even new food. It’s always exciting to find new food, new tastes, new sensations. There are dangers I’m aware of, gaint creatures which lie in wait if I’m not careful. They will do me no favors. But, I am alert and my senses inform me of their presence. I can avoid them, I can hide, I can retreat. I am not stupid.
Water can be a problem. Thankfully I don’t need much. I can wait until near dark, when I can’t be seen, then I can go quickly to the water place and take my fill. During the hot time, water can be difficult to find, but I can smell it from far off. It is so good!
Now, I’m going back to sleep to dream of green days when cold time has ended. Maybe I can find someone like myself to play with. Good dreams!