The Last She-Wolf

5_ Yellow eyes

It had been a few days since Dylan started teaching me about the world. He was patient, and his explanations were clear, making it easier for me to absorb the new information. I’d learned about the basics of human life, things like money, house, food transportation, clothes, and even the strange box called a “TV” that showed moving pictures. The knowledge had come quickly, and I was adapting faster than I had anticipated. Dylan seemed impressed with how quickly I picked things up, and I often caught him watching me with an amused smile as I navigated his world.

The next morning was no different. I woke up in the soft bed that I had now gotten used to. The first few nights, it had felt strange, unnatural even, to lie on such softness after years of sleeping on the earth. But now, I sank into the sheets with comfort, feeling safe within the four walls of Dylan’s apartment.

I stood up, stretching my arms, feeling my muscles unwind, and padded over to the bathroom. The shower was warm, and I let the water run over me, reminding me of the streams I used to bathe in when I was still in my wolf form. There was something soothing about water, whether it was in nature or a human-made contraption. Once I was clean, I stared at the mirror. My reflection still felt new to me, especially when I looked like this, fully human. My wolf eyes, the fur, they were all absent. In their place was a girl with wide eyes and soft skin, her hair dripping water down her back. This was me now.

I smiled slightly at the reflection, running my hands over my face, tracing my fingers along my lips. This body was strong in its own way, and I was starting to appreciate it more. After drying off, I grabbed the clothes Dylan had left for me. Another one of his oversized T-shirts and shorts. They were far too big for me, but they were comfortable. I slipped them on and headed to the kitchen.

Dylan was already there, preparing breakfast. He looked up as I entered and flashed me a smile.

“Morning,” he said, his voice carrying a warmth that always made me feel grounded. “Sleep well?”

I nodded. “Better than before. I think I’m getting used to the bed.”

He chuckled. “Glad to hear it. I was starting to worry you’d never stop jumping out of windows in the middle of the night.”

I smiled slightly, remembering how I had scared him the first time I had leaped from the guest room window to return to the woods. I had been so unsettled back then, but now… now, things felt different. More stable.

We sat down for breakfast, eggs, and toast. Dylan had gotten into the habit of asking me random questions during meals to test how much I remembered from our lessons.

“So,” he started, taking a bite of his toast. “Tell me again what a phone is for?”

I thought for a moment, then replied, “It’s a device that humans use to talk to each other over long distances. It’s also used for looking up information and taking pictures.”

Dylan raised his eyebrows and smiled. “Good. You’re really picking things up fast.”

“It’s because you’re a good teacher,” I said honestly.

He laughed, shaking his head. “I think you’re just a fast learner.”

After breakfast, Dylan had to leave for college. He stood by the door, pulling on his jacket as he turned to me.

“Will you be okay here by yourself?” he asked, a hint of concern in his voice. He did this each day.

“I’ll be fine,” I assured him. “I know how to use the TV now.”

He smirked. "See you later," he said, and I smiled in return.

With that, he left, and I was alone in the apartment. The silence felt heavy at first, but I quickly turned on the TV, scrolling through channels until I found a movie that seemed interesting. But as the hours passed, my mind began to drift. Again.