Melinda Dawn Garren

Join Sixtoe, a young mountain loin, in this short story about his first year. Grow with him from his first day, as he learns about his world around him and the dangers it holds for growing kits and adult mountain lions.

Story excerpt
“…their mother allowed them small amounts of time outside the den, during which they explored their world and attacked each other or their mom especially her tail. His brother frequently tried to explore further than their mom would permit. They learned to identify the smells of their world, the rich loam of the forest floor, the tangy scent of pines, and the scents of squirrels and other small animals. Then came a day when their mother took them further from the den than they had ever been before. That day they had their first meal that wasn’t just her milk. The outings for food became a regular occurrence, Sixtoe and his siblings enjoyed the freedom of the outings. One day on their way back to the den their mom stopped and made them hide under a rocky crevice as a large bird soared overhead. They watched from behind their mom as the bird suddenly dove towards the ground. As it lifted up from the dive it had something small and wriggling in its claws …”