Katria

I wake up in the morning with Charlotte coming up to me shouting me to get up cause apparently Den is going to show us around town and then show us around the school me and Charlotte are going to go to, the whole time I was going over what happened that night why the golden wolf started acting weird, why he was so desperate for me to leave. It made me want to stay despite his wishes. But I wouldn't want him to hurt me when all he wants for me is to be safe.

"Alright, alright, Char! I'm coming!" I yell.

"Come on! He said he'd be here right now!" Char yells back.

"Like there is anything to miss in this town," I mutter to myself.

I get up and grab new clothes. Going to the bathroom, I take a two minute shower. Char keeps yelling at me while I braid my wet hair and go to meet her. I stop short when I find Den already there, smiling at Char and talking to our dad.

"Well finally! We don't have all day!" Charlotte sasses.

"Charlotte, watch it," I growl.

"Hey, come on girls. There's plenty of time. Here in Vramont, the day's last forever since it's the slow life. Come on, I know the best place to get pancakes and French toast. My treat for the new girls in the neighborhood," Den says with his signature smile.

'Bet he's a real ladies man,' I think.

"Ooh! Do they come in shapes! Kat makes them in the shape of Mickey Mouse for me!" Char exclaims as Den leads her hand out the front door.

"Well, I'm sure I can make the request. The chef does love me." Den says.

"I'm guessing you have an in then?" I ask.

"As in as I work there, yes I do, Sugar." He smirks

I roll my eyes and get in his truck. The engine turns over and he pulls from our driveway. I keep them blocked out and look at the world around me. My eyes play tricks and my wolf follows me along the journey. Howling and smiling at me. My heart breaks when reality snaps back when Den asks me a question.

"Lost in the world, Katria?" He asks.

"No, just.. Thinking." I say.

"Hmm, thinking can be a dangerous thing. 'Specially out here with all the wild things," He says,

"What wild things, Mr. Den?" Charlotte asks naively.

"Predators, Char. You know, eagles, bears, wolves, mountain lions," I state.

"Oh no! And you sleep walk, Kat! They could hurt you!"

"Don't worry your head, lil miss. I think Ol' Katria can handle herself. She seems tough. And if not, she can run amongst the wolves. See how long she lasts," He says, giving me a look.

Something about him I already don't like.

~

The drive into town is a bit longer than I'm used to in LA. I could walk everywhere. But, since Dad lives in the mountains, it takes about ten minutes each way to get in and out of town. The small town life is something I'll have to adjust to. The town of Vramont seems ever smaller than what I remembered as a kid. Little shops, some more well known places, but everything is homey. Something, again, different from the big LA city life. I could get lost there, but here I know I'd get found and taken back home. I don't think I'll ever get lost. It brings a sort of peace about me.

'Maybe I could get used to this place,' I think, a smile growing warmly on my face.

Denton pulls up to a small diner near the edge of town. Semi trucks line the back of the parking lot. Its filled to the brim with cars.

"This place seems to be hopping," I say and unbuckle my seatbelt.

"Oh, believe me. This place always hops. Mama June does know how to cook. Hence she named it after herself," Denton says.

He helps Charlotte out of the car and locks his truck. He walks ahead and opens the door for us.

"After you, ladies," He says with a smile.

"Thank you, Mr. Den!" Charlotte chirps.

"Thanks," I say flatly.

We stand behind the small, "Please wait to Be seated sign," I take a glance at the surroundings. A very, homey, country vibe. A lot of bears, pine trees, and wood incorporated throughout. Even a few fur skins and heads on the walls. A few old guns as décor too.

"Hi, girlies! Welcome in! Just the two of ya?" A kind old lady behind the bar asks us.

"Actually, Ju, I got these two on me," Den says, coming behind us and putting his hands on our shoulders.

"Now, Denton! Of all the days you gotta break, we packed to the brim!" She says with a smile, wagging her finger at them.

"Hey, what can I say? Gotta show my new neighbors around town, now don't I?" He says.

"'Course, child. I understand. Give 'em the old Vramont welcome to the best grub in all 'o Oregon. Come on up here, take a seat at the stool,"

I sit up at the bar with Charlotte in between Denton and I. I would rather not sit next to him. I still am not very keen on him.

"Now, what chu girls fixin for? Ya'll look thin as a twig! They not feed you where you come from?" She asks handing us menus.

"Oh, LA has plenty of food," I say

"Oh, city girls. I see then. Well, now that you live in Vramont, you'll be fuller than a bear hibernatin, for winter. My cookin's the best for miles. Just ask Den there," She says with a crooked almost toothless smile, a twinkle in her eye.

"Oh, believe me, she does. Always get better tips from her cooking," Denton says flooding his menu back up.

"Oh hush up! It's because you such a ladies man! All the young girls passin by always wanna come back," She says swatting his arm.

"Ooooh," Charlotte says to me.

I shoot her a scowl and fold my menu.

"Now this little lady says her sister over there makes the best pancakes around in all the shapes she can desire. Care to challenge that, June?" Denton says.

"Now, I don't wanna become siblins, but I can make you pancakes in the shape of a bear paw filled with chocolate chips. How that sound, sweetheart?" Miss June asks Char with a smile.

"Sure! That sounds yummy!" Char exclaims.

"And for you sugar?" June asks me.

"Um, whatever you think is good, M'am," I say.

"Give her what I'm gettin, June," Denton speaks up shooting me a smile.

"Comin' right up, ya'll," She says, scurrying back to the kitchen.

"She're real nice. I like the way she talks," Char says and spins in the chair.

"She's raised in the south. It's just a culture thing, Char," I say, stopping her spinning and have her face frontwards.

"She keeps this place on the map. Her and her husband came her, erm.. 25 years ago? No one used to even know where this place was until they came around. Brought their southern comfort and homey touches to this little town and haven't left," Denton explains.

"Well, I never wanna leave this place!" Charlotte says.

The food comes and we all dig in. Blackberry filled French toast topped with whippedcream. This woman really does know a thing or two about cooking. Nothing in LA can compare. And there are a lot of different flavors there. I couldn't even list one place that tastes better than this. Not even my parents or grandparents cooking.

"See? Told ya the best cooking for miles," June says and tops off my orange juice.

"I haven't had anything this good. And LA has a lot of flavors, but nothing compares. And I mean nothing. This is so good, Miss June," I comment.

"This place is amazing!" Charlotte squeals.

"Char, manners. Chew, then talk," I say to her.

"I'll be back. Gotta go chat with the staff. You girls enjoy," Denton says and gets up.

I follow him with my eyes as he leaves.

"He's a keeper, that one. Steals your heart then never let you go. Careful now, doll. Some say inna small town, theirs's always one like them," June says to me.

"Them?" I ask.

"A wolf in sheep's clothin'," June says.

Denton comes back wearing his signature smug smile. "Alrighty, ladies. There is more of Vramont to show you." he says.

"Kat! We have to come back her every breakfast, lunch and dinner! It's so yummy! Thank you Miss June! Kat's pancakes are still the top! But yours come close too!" Charlotte says.

"Aw, well you're very welcome, sweets. Ya'll have a good day and come back soon, 'hear? And Denton, try not to be late for ya shift again." June says.

"Hey, with my new friends, I may need to come in later. See you Ju," Denton says.

~

The town may be small, but it has its little quirks. Downtown has its originality that still operates. Post office, dentist, police station, antiques. Denton takes us to the park which is alive with all sorts of wild life. Charlotte has the time of her life feeding the birds. What Miss June told me still lingers in my head.

'A Wolf in sheep's clothing...'

I keep a closer eye on him as he's with Charlotte. He seems all the ordinary around her. I can't get the feeling he's using her innocence to get close to me. No matter how much I put the, 'Not interested,' light up sign on, he still puts on. I see why some girls fall for his charm. But I couldn't care less. He reminds me off all the guys I ever dated in LA. Try to get to me for something else. Maybe he's different. Lonely from living in the mountains. But, there are many other a girls who are interested. He can get a wife and have a family going as soon as he wants to. It won't be with me.

Many of the towns folk introduce themselves and where they live. Everything is so dense, I couldn't figure it out even if I tried to. But they are nice and genuine. The small towns people is a nice change from the busy LA folk. Always in a hurry. Never give you more than a glance then rush on their way. Here, its as though time stands still. Everyone stops to breathe and take time to be one with nature. Be one with another. It seems like a good change of pace.

Denton stops in town before taking us home at the police station. Charlotte goes with him while I wait outside. The wind starts to pick up as the sun is starting to set. I'll need to get used to the chill instead of the sun. Across the street, a shop catches my eye. Rather, stops my heart. It's Rey's bakery. I look both ways and cross the street quickly. Earning a honk from a car that comes out of nowhere. I wave in apology. I stop outside the store. Peering into the dark store. Inside looks stunning. A touch of modern, yet a touch the old classic of this town.

"Haven't seem him in a few days," A voice speaks.

I jump back in surprise, holding my chest and catching my breath. "H-How long has he been gone?" I ask the older woman.

"Rey never misses a day. He's here before the town wakes up baking and filling the orders. I put in a request but got nothing. I always enjoy a wheat loaf through out the day tending my shop. He didn't answer his phone neither. At his family's home or his buildin." She explains.

"Does, he ever take vacation?" I ask.

"Not without a notice. If anyone leaves in this town, we get notified. It's like he's disappeared. More strange than when his family did and left him behind," She explains.

"His family left?" I ask

"Bout when he was 12. Up and left. Never any explanation. For him or any of us. His father ran this place real well. We took up raising him till he grew old enough to run this place. Mighty strange, their case was. Such a shame." She says, quietly going back to tending her flower shop.

"Katria!" Charlotte calls from the other side of the street. She waves me over and Denton gives me a puzzling look.

I look both ways and cross quickly.

"What were you doing? It's time to go home! It's so cold! Den called Dad and hes making Hot Chocolate for us all! Come on, come on! I've never had it and Dad says its amazing! Come on Katria, what are you waiting for? We can see the town later! Come on, come on, come on!" She says and pulls on my arm.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm.. coming," I say and leave my focus on Rey's Bakery.

The drive has me disembodied from the world. Rey never leaves. So, where could he go? I mean, I don't know him that well, but.. The town does.

'Is he okay?' I wonder. 'I hope it isn't something serious,'

Denton and Char and Dad all talk. I sit alone at the kitchen table. The big window shining moonlight upon me. The pine trees sway in the wind, the stars twinkling. All I think about is my wolf. Where has he gone? In fact, where has Rey gone? I feel like something in my very being is gone. And I just want it back. Or at least the knowledge that things are okay.

"Come say bye, Kat!" Dad calls pulling me out of my daze.

I slowly get up and go to the doorway.

"Thanks for taking us around town today, Denton," I say.

"Of course, anything for my new neighbor. Hey, maybe mosey on down the street sometime. See what I'm making of my new house, if your interested," he says.

"Maybe we can picnic! Kat and I will see you and have a picnic!" Charlotte exclaims giving his waist a hug.

"Sure, that sounds great you two. Have a good night," Denton says with a wave and leaves.

"I think he likes you," Charlotte says singsongly.

"Oh shut up. He's just being nice," I scoff.

"Uh uh. I'd want someone nice like him! Your so lucky! I'm jealous!" Charlotte says and pouts.

I roll my eyes and pull her into my side to hug her. "Kid, you have a long way to go before dating. No go get ready for bed. I'll tuck you in," I say and give her a squeeze.

"Okay! Come on BB!" She says and thumps up the stairs, BB following her.

"Hey, everything okay? You seem a little.. Lost?" Dad says and places a hand on my shoulder.

"It's nothing. Just.. a lot in one day, ya know? New place, gotta get used to it. It'll come," I say.

"Yeah, life in Vramont is going to be different from LA. Go get some rest. I cleared out the other room a little bit while you guys were gone. We'll get it done," He says and plants a kiss on my forehead.

I nod and head to the stairs. "Night, Dad," I say and walk up the stairs.

I go to Charlotte's room and find her just climbing into her bed. Night gown on, BB at the foot of her bed, situating her favorite stuffed animal.

"All ready, lil Miss?" I ask with a soft smile.

"Mhm!" She says and settles in.

I sit down on her bed. Earning a hiss from BB. I pull the covers up to cover her.

"Today was fun! I like it here. I wonder what school is going to be like! I wanna meet new friends!" Charlotte squeals.

"I'm sure you will. But today was filled with excitement and fun, now it's time to rest. We'll take a look around later, Char. Promise." I say and brush a strand of her ruffled braids out of her face.

"Pinky-dinky promise?" She asks reaching out her pinky.

I smile and grab her pinky with mine. "Pinky-dinky," I say.

She yawns and starts to fade into sleep. "Do you think Momma misses us?" She yawns.

I feel myself tense. She rolls over and I gently rub her shoulder. "Maybe she does," I say softly, leaning to place a kiss on her peachy soft cheek.

I get up and walk to the door. I turn off the light and close the door half way. I turn off the hall light and make my way to my room. Dad's door is closed but the light is on. I go to the bathroom to get ready for bed. Charlotte asking about Mom set something off in me. I never want to go back. I never want her to miss her. I never want to be hurt again. I won't allow it. Vramont is our new life.

Climbing into bed I open the window a crack. I try not to think of the emotions I have. Maybe sleep will help. The draining day catches up to me and I fall asleep.

~

All I see is dark. All I hear is wind. Its howling. The wind is howling. The wolves our howling. There is branched snapping. The ground is trembling. I fall to my feet. The trees and branches break. Bursting through are wolves. They look like shadows. The look scared. Like something is coming after them. I get up to run with them. They howl for me to follow them. I don't look back. But I don't look where I am going. The ground gives out and I'm falling. Falling in the air. I can't scream. I can't ask for help. They all leap over me. Leaving me as I fall into nothing. The ground meets my back with a hard thud. The world is still. Nothing is around me but dark. My feet are wet, and I'm standing on water. It ripples as I walk to look around.

'Hello?' I call.

The water splashes and I turn all around. I see nothing.

'Hello? Is anyone there?' I call out.

The splashing comes louder and soon I see a bright light. It comes to me and jumps at me. It goes through me and takes the breath out of me. I fall into the water and see myself underneath it all. Feet running over me.

I try to get up. It's not that I'm drawing. It's I'm sinking. I break through and gasp. I look to see something coming to me.

It's him.

He came back.

'Hey! Hey, your back! Come here boy! I missed you! Come here!' I call happily.

He runs faster, but I see fear on his face. I reach out to him but he passes through me. Like a ghost.

He stops and looks back at me. I reach for him once more but my hand falls through the ghost.

'Where have you gone boy? Come on home. I miss you,' I say.

He comes to me again, licking my hand. I can't feel it. Only see it. His ears go alert and he growls. He looks at me then behind me.

I look behind me but see nothing. I turn back and see his tail bolting away. His loud howling echoing in my head. The water rippling out from where he runs. He runs.. with my heart.

~

I wake up clutching the blankets to my chest, heart racing fast, breath coming in short spurts. I throw the covers off of me and walk down the stairs. Not loudly, but fast enough to get to my destination. I open the back sliding door and walk into the lawn. The wind is whipping and whirling around. Screaming and howling. I take a few more steps into the woods. I make my way to the willow tree. Thunder starts to bellow. I hurry my pace faster. Despite the pain in my feet from the twigs and forest debris. I reach the clearing to the meadow and rain starts to fall.

"Here, boy! Come here boy! Where are you? Come on home! Are you out there?" I call out.

All that answers me is a thunder and a break of lighting across the sky.

"Come on boy! Come on home! It's okay, I won't hurt you! I miss you!" I call again moving closer to the willow tree.

Suddenly a hand grabs my shoulder and I scream.

"Katria! What are you doing out here! Come back home!" My Dad says.

He drags me back but I lastly glance at the willow. The wind whips my hair and the rain pelts me. We get back into the house and Dad closes the door.

"Katria! What were you doing out there? Its the middle of the night and a rain storm! What were you looking for out there?" Dad asks me grabbing my shoulders. "I was worried! I heard the rain and felt the breeze from down here. The door was open and you were gone. In all my years, no one ever goes missing, but I thought it could have happened!"

"I..I was. .I'm sorry, Dad.." I say quietly.

He pulls me into his arms and holds me tightly. "It's alright. You're safe is all that matters. Are you sure that there isn't something going on? Do we need to go someplace? You seem very fixated on the woods. What's out there?" He asks.

I look past him out the door. "N-Nothing, Dad. I just.. miss us hunting.. Like when I was a kid. I dreamed about the meadow.. And I wanted to go back. When I was younger and we were happy.." I say. It's partly a lie, but it is true.

"Why didn't you say so? You had me worried. Thought you found a mountain man to fall in love with or some kind of secret... garden or something," He says. "If that's the case, let's take a day trip out there. Get back to the roots? Rey is going to be over tomorrow, so lets do it after that, okay? And no more wondering about the woods at night," Dad says

"Okay. I promise," I say.

"Good, now go back to bed. Don't make me lock the doors," he says and gives me a kiss on my head.

"Night dad," I say.

'Night boy...' I think.

~

The next day my fears are heightened. Rey doesn't show up to help my Dad. He tries calling him but nothing. I try not to show notice or concern. I don't even know him. That wolf is just a wild animal. Rey is just a neighbor. Sure, that wolf was from when I was a kid, but he's an animal. He needs to be free. Charlotte isn't as worried about me hiding my off behavior. She has BB to keep her mind busy. I look out the window from the table. Watching. Waiting. For anything. Any sign of either of them.

"Kat, come here," Dad says and motions to the mudroom.

I get up and follow him. "Hey, what's up? What happened to Rey coming to work on the car?" I ask trying not to rush it to sound like I am worried.

"His family...um.. They passed away." He says sadly.

"His family? But I thought he lived alone? That his family just left?" I ask.

"They did, but they wanted a house deeper in the woods. Still in Vramont technically. But they didn't tell anyone. Rey just wanted to stay. But... his family was coming down. Took a bad turn down a road and went off the rails." Dad explains.

"Oh my gosh..." I gasp.

"Yeah, he let me know yesterday he had to go to see his family. Then today he found out the news and let me know," He says.

"Oh my god.. That's terrible," I say. "Is there a funeral? Or when is her coming back?"

"He's coming back this afternoon. The funeral isn't for a while," Dad explains.

"I should.. Bring him some.. flowers. I can go pick them at the meadow. Maybe cheer him up a little?" I say.

"I think that would be nice, thank you Kat. I know you haven't known him that long. But he's a good neighbor. Been there for this town as long as I can remember. Especially when you and your mother moved to California. Kept me going. His family was very nice. I only met them a handful of times. They kept to themselves mainly. Raised a good son. God, I can't imagine what Rey must be going through," He says.

'Me neither..' I think.

~

I try to think of what to say to him as I make the short trek to his house from the meadow. What do you say to a guy you just met who lost a family you never met? I guess all I can do is be there. I barely know him, but I feel like I've known him for years. I feel like our souls are connected. Like our paths are.. Destined. I don't even believe in things like that, but.. It just is. I pass the familiar mail box that says 'Dornin,' I take a deep breath and walk up the pathway. I see his orange Ford pickup in the driveway. I can hear crashing from inside his house. I stay back from his porch. When I hear him yell, I go to know on the door.

"Rey! Rey are you okay? Hey, Let me inside please! I heard what happened and I'm so sorry!" I call.

I knock and find the door unlocked. I stumble in and am taken aback. His house looks like a tornado came through it. Or a pack of wild animals came through. Everything is broken. Its all ruined. I see Rey leaned up against the wall. He hides his face in one hand and the other holds the wall. It looks like he holds the wall tightly.

I set the flowers on the knocked over entry table. I approach him slowly. Seeing this destruction is out of grief, I know. But I don't want him to get startled or maybe even hurt me.

"Rey? Hey, its me. Katria. Katria Baker? From next door? I came to check on you. I heard the news.. I'm so sorry, Rey. Are you okay?" I ask and walk to him.

He hears my steps and looks up with me. It looks like he's taken over by a monster. He wears so much anger, hate, fear, sadness. His blue eyes are dark blue. It looks almost.. red? That can't be. Eyes don't change. Especially to red.

He comes back to earth when he sees me cowering from him on the ground. "Katria?" he croaks.

"Yeah, its me. Howard Baker's daughter," I say shakily.

"Oh.." He says, sinking down the wall and hiding his face.

I hear him sniffling. I carefully get up and move close to him. I gently set my hand on his shoulder. He inhales shakily and I hear him sniffle more. I wrap my arms around him and rest my head on his shoulder.

"I'm so sorry. I can't... I can't even begin to imagine what this feels like, Rey. I'm so deeply sorry," I say softly.

"I never got to say goodbye... they were.. all alone.. I couldn't save them.. It's my fault," He chokes out.

"Hey, its gonna be okay. There wasn't anything you could do, Rey. Okay? It's not your fault.." I say and move his head to my chest so I can hug him.

I feel his tears drip onto me. I rest my head on his and hold him tight. I can't begin to imagine the pain he feels inside right now. Losing your whole family.. If I lost Charlotte.. I wouldn't even want to go on. She is my whole life. My everything. She keeps me going. His whole family is gone.. I can't afford to think like that.

"Hey, Rey. Rey?" I say.

His pain filled eyes look up at me.

"Go on and take a minute. I'll try to clean up some glass. I'm not leaving you in pain like this. Shower, freshen up, I'll take care of this, alright?" I say gently.

He nods feebly and gets up. He goes up the stairs and I can hear his door shut. I get to work and try to clean up the mess of grief and turmoil.

~

"You.. make good soup. Thanks," He says in a small voice.

"Its what I make Charlotte when she's sick. Always cheers her up," I say, siting next to him.

"Its great.. thanks, Katria," He says, briefly looking me in the eyes before going back to eating.

His phone starts to ring and I get up to answer it. I pull it off the jack.

'Hello?'

'Hey Kat, its Dad. Everything okay?'

'As you can be. I'm staying over. Just to make sure he's okay. Don't worry, in a separate room. He's just.. not fit to be alone,'

'Yeah, I figured. Call me in the morning to just let me know. Give him my condolences,'

'I will. Tell Char not to worry. I'll be back tomorrow,'

'Okay, goodnight Kat.'

'Night, Dad,'

I hang up and sit back at the table. Rey plays with his soup and stare off into the space of loneliness. I don't know how to help him. How do you help someone who just lost their whole family? I've never really dealt with death.

"I think I might.. Turn in Kat. You can go home now," He says and puts his bowl in the sink.

"No, I'm not leaving. You're in too much pain and grief. I don't want you to do something you might regret. I'm staying. The couch is comfy," I say.

He sighs. "Sure. if you want to. You can go to the spare room. That couch is older than sin," He says.

"Okay, thank you," I say.

"Hm," He says.

He starts to walk away from me. I grab his hand and hold it. He looks back at me with shock. I feel my breath catch and my eyes get lost in his. Even if they are filled with pain.

"Don't worry, Rey. I'll be here. Again, I'm sorry. It'll get there. I promise," I say and give him a kiss on his cheek. I feel the blush growing on my face. I brush past him and to the spare room down the hall. I close the door and let myself breathe.

'Why did you do that? God! So dumb! Ugg!' I scold myself.

I hear him go up the stairs and his bedroom door opens. The bed groans. I sigh a breath of relief that now at least he can sleep. Sleep always help. I just hope nightmares don't plague him like they do me.

~

I stay awake for a long time. Just to make sure Rey is okay. I would hate for him to do something he may regret. I let sleep lull me in until I snap myself awake at the slightest noise. I stop and listen for anything. It's just the natural sounds of the house or something outside.

I know I need sleep, but my own needs are pushed aside at the moment. Rey is in pain. A pain no one should go through. My heart aches for him. I feel it broken as much as his is. I wish I could do something more than make him soup and clean up the broken pieces of his life. The pain hits a bit harder and I get up to get water. I see his family photo in the hall. His family looks so happy.

'Why do the good ones have to be taken from the good people? Rey didn't do anything to lose his whole family. What did they do?' I think.

I get a glass and pour water. It helps calm my mind. I hear another noise and tense up. I listen for Rey to get out of bed. I hear a slight scratching noise.

'God, is that a rat? Rey wouldn't allow a rat in here,' I think.

I hear it again and I look around. I move around the counter and stop short. I almost drop the glass. I open the door and throw my arms around my friend. My guardian angel. My wolf.

"Oh, buddy. I'm glad you're okay! I missed you! I thought something was wrong!" I ramble and burry my head in his big furry chest. I hear his heart drumming loudly. His whine makes me look at him. He looks down at his big paws with sad blue eyes. He meets my eyes and head bumps me gently.

"What's wrong boy? This isn't like you? Where's my happy boy huh? Where's my good boy?" I ask gently, rubbing behind his ears and planting kisses all over his snout.

He whines and curls up on my lap. He whines and puffs out his nose. It seems like he's crying.

"Oh boy...what happened?" I ask and stoke his head gently.

He nuzzles his head into my hand and whimpers more. I rest my head on his giant one and hold him close. Petting him gently and leaving kisses on his fur.

"Hey, look at me boy." I say and lift his big head up. He exhales shakily through his nose and looks at me with big sad eyes. I see a tear hit his golden blonde fur.

"No more tears. Okay? I'm here. You're okay," I say and plant a kiss on his big black nose.

He stands up and towers over me. He nudges me forward.

"Boy, hey. It's not my house. I can't let you in.." I say.

He sits with his tail between his legs and whines. I sigh and look around the house. I contemplate with myself. It would be awful to have Rey find out I let a wild animal into his house. But.. he's..my everything.

"Okay, okay. But.. don't make too much noise. This isn't my house," I say and pet his big head. His ears perk up a bit and his tail wags a little.

I get up and let him in. he comes with me to the spare room. I close the door and he sits on the floor. I get into bed and pat it gently for him to come up. He curls around me and rest his head on my hip. I pet him gently and he exhales deeply. I feel like things are going to be okay. For me, and Rey.

((Let me know how I'm doing! Leave me some feedback!))-Zeffie