Crocodile tears

As Rudy walks toward her, Fern watches him through watery eyes. His words are kind and gentle, his presence a reassurance and it takes all of Fern’s willpower not to close the distance and bury her face in his fur. He licks the path of a tear and she offers him a small smile. Rudy talks to her, taking back the words and actions, apologizing for not fighting the sickness harder. Tear-filled eyes soften as she looks him, understanding that he had been through a traumatic experience and she, while trying to stop him from harming himself, had triggered a memory.

Looking at Rudy for a long moment, Fern sniffs and wipes her tears away. When she speaks again, her voice is gentle and filled with sympathy, “I understand Rudy. Believe me, I understand.” Thoughts of her own mother’s death and watching it briefly touches her mind before she banishes it. Slowly, carefully Fern steps closer to Rudy, not wanting to trigger his flight response, she takes her time. Fern tells him as she moves, “You are not a coward Rudy. Far from it. You are the bravest wolf I know.” Once she is close enough, Fern reaches her head out to bury her face in the fur of his chest.

Fern sits there for a moment, inhaling Rudy’s scent, offering comfort to him while taking comfort in his presence. She longs to wrap her paws around him and bury him in a hug but she remembers his fear. After several moments, Fern steps back so that he can see her face. A soft smile rests on her lips as she says, “Your secret is safe with me Rudy. Thank you for sharing it. I want you to know, I do not think you are a coward and I forgive the words and bite. I am here for you Rudy.” The strange feeling once more stirs within her chest and Fern realizes it is love. Looking at the wounded wolf, healed from the attack physically but not emotionally, Fern allows that love to take root.

Tears no longer fall as Fern looks at him, her smile growing. Head tilts slightly as Fern says, “I do have a favor to ask you Rudy. When you are ready, and only when you are ready, will you take me on those adventures you promised?” Aqua eyes sparkle with hope as she looks at him. Maybe the Hallows isn’t her home after all. Maybe…just maybe… home is wherever Rudy is.


"Fern"