a long-awaited miracle

Fern had been quick to move toward the wolf as her slayed legs seemed to be perilously close to collapsing. Luckily, the thin wolf accepts Fern’s help and the gray girl moves to help brace the smaller frame between her and the badger. When the wolf slips and bumps her shoulder, the gray girl offers a chuckle to the monochromatic wolf’s apology, saying, “It is alright. I didn’t feel anything. It will take more than that to knock me down.” Turning her head, Fern’s ocean-hued eyes find the wolf’s ruby gaze and she offers the woman a warm smile. Mel clambers over to help the wolf make it back up to all fours and concern for the smaller wolf has Fern shooting Mel a questioning look, asking if this safe for his friend.

Turning her head back toward the front, Fern chides Puff when the stoat asks her the blunt question. The way the monochromatic wolf just smiles and explains what happened has a grin spreading across Fern’s lips. There is kindness in this wolf and it reminds Fern of her own mother. Suddenly, she feels the overwhelming urge to protect and aid her. Unconsciously, Fern shifts a little closer to the smaller woman’s frame as the introductions are made, offering more support for Laeta and a closer connection for the girl. When Laeta informs Fern that she just wants to make to the stairs, the gray wolf’s eyes turn to gaze the hallway.

There is a determination in Laeta that seems be woven into every fiber of the smaller wolf’s being. She understands that grit and that, no matter the peril it might put her in, Laeta will get to those stairs. Smiling, the gray girl decides that at least she can be with her to try and minimize any damage. With a nod, Fern says, “Well then Laeta, let’s get you to those stairs. Tell you what, let’s make a deal if you can walk all the way to the stairs, we will help you get down to the garden. Then we can all enjoy some breakfast in the sun.” Her smile is bright and full of confidence in the monochromatic wolf.

Fern stands next to the smaller wolf, offering her a brace but also, a friendly shoulder. The gray girl finds herself letting her defenses down with Laeta, the normal walls and distance she puts up for herself falls away as she connects Laeta’s kind determination to her own, dead mother’s. She needs to be with her, step by wobbly step, encouraging and cheering the woman on. With a gentle voice Fern adds, “The only condition is you have to rest when your body tells you. Sitting for a few minutes is better than not reaching your goal. So… shall we?” Ocean-hued eyes glance to Mel, asking his permission as well as Laeta’s. Meanwhile, Puff sits silently on Fern’s back, small paws gripping onto gray fur while looking over the thin wolf with a small smile on her face.


"Fern" | "Puff"