"Shushu, where are you? Come out! Stop hiding!" Nina's voice had grown hoarse from calling.
"Nina, it's very late. Why don't you get some rest? We'll keep looking for Shushu," said Odian gently, unable to hide the concern in his eyes.
"Nina, go rest. We'll find him, no matter what," added Sal, his tone firm with quiet resolve. Even if he had to dig three feet into the ground, he would find the child.
"Nina, please, go back to the cave and rest," Kith and the others urged.
Nina shook her head. "How could I possibly sleep when Shushu is still missing?"
Seeing the determination in her eyes, they stopped trying to persuade her.
"The night air is cold. Put on another layer." Odian draped an extra coat over her shoulders.
"Nina, let me carry the little ones," said Mino, worried she might be exhausted.
"I'm fine. I'm not tired. Let's keep searching."
Holding them made her feel steadier somehow. The babies were still small, light in her arms.
