Wolves (English)

Chapter 8

I feel a sense of relief as I gently close the door of my bedroom behind me. Mission accomplished! And the best part is: nobody has heard or seen us. At least, as far as I know.

It was quite a journey to get home. First, Dyre and I had to get out of the forest. Luckily that wasn't the hardest part, but after that, I also had to smuggle her across the road, through our village and in our house. To prevent people we know from seeing us and perhaps alerting the police or animal protection, we have taken as many detours and narrow alleys as possible. Sometimes it was not easy because part of the road had been blocked, or because it was already dark in such an alley because of dusk, but I didn't care. Most importantly, Dyre would be safe.

When we finally got home after half an hour and I carefully pushed open the garden gate, my heart stopped beating for a moment. I saw my mother through the kitchen window. She was peeling potatoes for dinner. I was somewhat surprised that she hadn't finished yet, but then it occurred to me that the vegetables I had bought from Mr. Vineyard were still in my bicycle bag. Of course she needed it!

I looked back at Dyre who was still behind me and looked at me with a wagging tail. This was a tricky situation. If I walked into the garden with her now, my mother would certainly see us. That was not supposed to happen.

For a moment I was in conflict, but miraculously Mom turned to answer the phone just then. It stands on a table next to the counter. This was our chance. As soon as I could, I parked my bike in the garden and led Dyre around the corner to the back door.

'Okay,' I whispered to her. 'Will you stand here for a while? Then I'll bring the groceries in, and then I'll come and get you.'

I didn't have much time to stand. I put my bike in the shed, took out the two plastic bags and carried them inside.

Once in the kitchen, I bumped into my mother who was still busy on the phone. She raised her hand to me and pointed to the receiver. I nodded, put the groceries on the counter and began unloading them, catching snippets of the conversation.

'Where are you now?' I heard my mother ask.

I listened curiously. Who was she talking to? Could it be Finn? If so, I had every right to know where he was.

Unfortunately, I couldn't hear the voice on the other side. I had to do with my mother's words and looks.

She frowned and replied, 'Only tonight? But yesterday you said that ... Yes, I understand. No, take it easy. I am waiting for you here.'

I would have preferred to overhear the entire telephone conversation; my curiosity was too big. But then I realized that Dyre was still waiting outside. She had to go upstairs as soon as possible before Mom would see her.

Once all the groceries were on the counter, I walked out of the kitchen as casually as possible and pushed open the back door. I motioned for Dyre to come in. Fortunately, the she-wolf understood as well as I that we had to be very quiet. We crept up the stairs together. I held my breath for a moment as a few steps creaked, only to learn that my mother was still on the phone. That gave us the opportunity to quickly sneak into my bedroom.

And there we are. I collapse on my bed and stare at the beautiful she-wolf who still looks at me with a curious look in her eyes. A smile crosses my face as my gaze falls back on the improvised bandage. The relieved feeling immediately changes to anxiety. Where is Finn?

I decide to ask my mother during dinner if he was the one who just called her. Now I have to take care of Dyre first.

'Well, girl.' I stretch myself and stroke her on the head. 'Let me give you some water. You must be thirsty.'