Traveling Light

Heal the Pain

It's a dark and stormy night. Water flows into my home. I begin to feel sick from what I have eaten, and pray that I never have to do that again.

Thankfully, tonight my prayers were answered.

Linda had fallen asleep early due to the extensive measures her team went through to find me. It was no use.

Martha was done following rules. She quietly gathered the materials taken from her and dashed out the door, straight for my secret location.

I was asleep, holding my stomach in pain. She walked into her doghouse, waiting to save me in the morning.

A loud bark jolted me awake. I couldn't believe she was finally here.

"Martha!!"

All I could do at this stage was crawl to her. She noticed my weak state, resisting her urge to jump on me.

She thoroughly searched me, frowning at every injury and inability to do anything.

She drops the bag, entirely containing food.

"You knew what I needed. I don't need to expand the house. I just need to survive."

I devoured certain foods given, keeping in mind to save it.

She licked any harsh wounds, cuddling up to me.

"You saved my life, silly girl. I could've been dead if you didn't come."

She ran to the beach, waiting for me.

"Hey! Wait up! I may have the energy to run now, but I should still be careful!"

She sat in the sand, encouraging me to join her. Somehow, she began tracing in the sand, as if to tell me something.

"Martha? What are you doing?"

As soon as she finished her drawings, she stepped back and looked at me.

It consisted of basic shapes resembling a bird, a dog, a house, and a bush with an X over it.

It was a stretch, but I believe she's trying to say that she can't leave and wants to stay with me.

"Is Linda supposed to be the bird?"

She nodded.

"You're saying that she won't let you out of the house and you can't come often because of that?"

She hung her head and nodded again. She placed her paw on the bush, and looked back at me.

"You want to stay here, don't you?"

She crawled into my lap, giving me puppy eyes.

"I know. I want you to stay too. When you're gone, it's just as hard for me. Yesterday was the worst day of my life. I promise that I'll let you stay until at least I'm out of what I need. I hate that we're suffering without each other."

Even if she's just a sheepdog, I could tell she understood every word. I hugged her, stroking her fur. I could feel her whimpering in my arms.

She sprawled herself across my body. I lightly rub her belly as the waves crash against us.

"Don't worry, Martha. It's gonna be ok."