The Wounds We Heal

Chapter fifty-one: Homeward Rush!

Ryder heard the ring of his pup pad, and at first it didn't register as a cause for action. But after maybe the third or fourth ring his body finally started to drag himself up to go answer it.

"*yawn* Ryder here.." the boy yawned heavily.

"Sorry to spoil your sleep, Ryder." Capt'n Turbot greeted. "But my big blipping balloon has detected some big bad weather brewing over the Bay.."

"Bad weather?" Ryder echoed, getting up to approach the balcony windows overlooking the town and its famous bay. "What kind?"

"Wintery wet whirling kind." The Capt'n replied. "Positively perilous for perky pups.."

"Thanks, Capt'n." Ryder replied. "I'll make sure they stay inside today. Just until it blows over."

"Right-o Ryder!" the Capt'n saluted. Then the call ended, allowing the boy to think for a moment.

Snowflake and Chase are still Katie's.. He realized. And looking out the window he could see the darkened shadow in the distance, and then noticed how the wind had slightly increased. He suddenly found himself at the window again, and noting how quickly the clouds were beginning to gather; his concern began to rise.

Better call them back before this gets too bad. He thought, and he pulled out his pup-pad, and hesitated a moment before swiping to the icons he desired to contact.

XXXX

It was a bit cool the next morning as Snowflake slowly woke up. She stretched, and yawned before wiping her eyes with her right paw. Looking next to her, she found it was Chase sleeping peacefully.

'Poor Chase. I know you want to be alone, but if you let us help you, you could have time to yourself. You're just worrying everyone,' Snowflake thought to herself.

Snowflake looked around to see if anyone else was awake.

Maybe she could talk to Ryder alone?

However, right after this thought had crossed her mind, a sudden inhale caused movement to her left and she watched as the nearby lump of Katie began to stir and eventually sat up.

Snowflake lay still for a moment, not knowing what Katie was going to do.

Katie straightened up with a deep yawn, stretching one arm up and fisting the other one up by her face. And in her recovery, she rubbed a hand into her eye.

Snowflake quietly walked over and licked her face.

"Good morning, Katie," Snowflake whispered. The girl touched a hand to her cheek after the husky's kiss and smiled.

"Good morning, Snowflake." Katie replied softly. Then both looked to the sleeping pup just beyond them.

"Boy, does he look tired.." the blonde girl commented. "And you'd think he'd be uncomfortable the way he's lying."

Just as she said, his face looked exhaustedly restful, but his neck was craned out and his shoulder tucked in while on his right side. His forelegs, what little they could see of them from beneath the blankets, lay split in opposite directions; but one would think they were the opposite limbs instead, if not for the clear difference in their positioning.

"Yeah. I hope he's okay. Sorry I woke you up," Snowflake replied before turning back to the blonde girl.

"Oh no, it wasn't you.." Katie smiled. "I didn't even realize you were awake yet until you came over. But.." her gaze turned back to Chase.. "I agree."

And though he seemed uncomfortable by how he looked, his sound-asleep nature made it very convincing that he didn't even notice.

"You need help with breakfast?" Snowflake asked. "Or anything else?"