Driftwood err Driftwolf?

The sad words that Rudy speaks has Fern’s heart dropping. The need to comfort the hurt wolf has she nuzzling her nose gently against his cheek as she says, “It’s okay Rudy. We will make you a better tail.” Fern has no idea how she would make him a tail or how to attach it but she hopes the sentiment helps her friend in some small way. The thought of Rudy being in such excruciating pain causes Fern to feel deep guilt at not being able to get Rudy on to her back by herself. He shouldn’t have to move at all but the smaller wolf needs his help and sorrow wells inside her as she sees the lines of pain etched deep in his face. Somehow, he does it, even in horrible pain and bleeding, Rudy manages to straddle her back.

As his heavier frame settles over her, Fern pushes herself onto her paws and says, “I am sorry for this Rudy. Try to sleep. You will be home soon.” She knows this is going to be painful for him and a part of her hopes he won’t remember this part. Gently gripping his left front leg in her mouth, she pull the appendage up and off the ground so the stumps of his missing toes don’t drag along in the dirt. With that, Fern starts to make her way back toward the castle. Rudy drifts in an ocean of agony which sometimes causes him to float away into the dark to try and escape the pain. The sounds that he makes send stabs of sadness and guilt echoing through the gray girl as she tries to subdue the tears that threaten to spill down her cheeks.

Rudy’s bulk slows Fern down considerably but it does not stop her determination to get him help. The adrenaline that pumps through her veins helps to keep going, seeming to lighten the wolf on her back and strengthen her weak legs. Moving as fast as she can, Fern’s world starts to narrow, no longer seeing the trees or uneven ground. All that matters is putting one paw in front of the other. The only sounds that each her ears are Rudy’s labored breathing and the thundering beat of her heart. Legs grow tired but she pushes past her limit, admonishing herself for feeling weak when Rudy needs help.

When Fern thinks she can go no further, she starts calling herself names inside her head. Worthless, selfish, and liability are thrown around in her mind as she tries to keep the adrenaline pumping and her legs moving. Fern doesn’t know how far she walks or how much time has passed since she found Rudy but she keeps going. The feel of his blood coating her pelt drives her onwards even as her breathes start to feel like they no longer are bringing in enough oxygen. She keeps moving with Rudy on her back and his wounded leg in her mouth because that is all she can do.


"Speech"