She had explained that she would remain nearby during these first visits so Mason could feel secure, and I appreciated it.

We walked beside a path where snow had been packed into pale ridges.

Mason raced ahead to inspect frozen footprints and came back to ask which animals might have left them.

I guessed a dog.

He insisted it was a wolf until Lauren pointed out that the marks led straight to a neighborhood driveway.

“Maybe a very civilized wolf,” I said.

Mason laughed so hard he had to bend over.