[doghouse]

“I know, but, she's already asleep, and I don't want to wake her.” Ardis said, shrugging. That wasn't all of it, but she didn't mention that it would be very difficult for her to move Zia. She looked at the sleeping form of Zia, wondering how she could possibly leave the kit. Yes, the kit had family, lots of family, but she didn't seem to like her family.
Zia raised her head, blinking sleep from her eyes. She looked up at Ardis, then stood hesitantly and peered into Ardis's eyes.
Ardis blinked, then put her muzzle to Zia's ear. “Would you like to leave with me?” Ardis whispered to the dark tabby she-kit. Her voice was quiet and hopeful. Hopeful that Zia would agree.
Zia nodded, and Ardis dragged herself out of the nest. Zia helping at Ardis's shoulder, they left the den, then the camp, heading away.