I slink down farther into my chair. This is hopeless. With all my bright hopes of truly writing a story, I thought this wouldn't be the case. A mocking, blank computer screen scoffs at me. Every start leads to a displeasing failure.
Standing up from the desk, I grab my coat and scarf and start toward the door. I flip the light off and slip my coat on. A chill engulfs me as I step outside into the biting winter air of Washington DC. I pull my scarf around my neck and shiver.
Once I reach a densely wooded area, I sit on a fallen log and stare at the moon as wolves howl in the distance. Their haunting, yet beautiful song fills my ears and I listen intently. The howls piece together to form a mournful song. I close my eyes. My mind clears.
Suddenly, I hear a creature racing through the bushes. My eyes snap open in time to se a wolf bound in front of me. It stumbles and lands on its side, breathing heavily.
I leap toward it and kneel. Blood stains its midnight-black coat maroon. At closer examination, I notice a gash on its side. Who or what did this to the poor creature?
Taking great care not to harm it, I tie my scarf around its side to staunch the flow of blood. I pick it up and sling it over my shoulders like a hunter with his catch.
-----
When anyone or anything is injured in my apartment, there's no joking around. I quickly rouse my 12 year old sister, Sami, and get to work with the wolf on the couch. Sami grabs the bandages and ointment and brings them to me.
"Snow," I mutter. I hear the door click behind her. I unwrap the scarf from the wolf's stomach and set it aside. When Sami comes back with the snow, I wrap it in a soft cloth and lather it in ointment. I proceed to clean the wound gently. Then I wrap it in the bandages, careful not to make it too tight to allow air flow. During the procedure, the wolf had fallen asleep, but now it's eyes flicker open. A snarl of pain and fear crosses his face.
"You're all right, old boy," Sami says softly brushing his head with her fingers. His face immediately calms. Sami has always had a way with animals.
She hums a song to him that I recognize as an old hymn our Norwegian ancestors sang. It was about the gods of Asgard and a battle against Svartalfheim. It's always been a beautiful song.
Suddenly, the wolf shimmers and changes. It's fur flakes off and disintegrates. Now laying in front of us- is a man.
