Project #134

CHAPTER 12

Aron woke up in the middle of the night to a door opening. Fox had gotten out of his bedroom with a concerned look on his face. As he didn't want to wake up Victoria,he carefully watched him from his sleeping position. He went over to the door, opened it, and walked outside. Aron, like Victoria the night before, got up very carefully and went over to the window. He witnessed Fox disappearing into the trees as he walked further.

Seeing as Aron had knowledge that Fox knew this area well, he ignored what happened and went back to the couch to fall asleep.

He awoke to a dawning sky and an empty couch. He saw that Victoria had just gotten up and was walking towards the door, like Fox had been doing.

"Where are you going Victoria?" he asked.

She turned to him. He immediately noticed something wasn't right when all he saw were dark shadows where her eyes were.

"What...what is going on?"questioned Aron.

Victoria looked angrily at him, even though Aron couldn't see her pupils. She turned back towards the door. She opened the door and slammed it shut. He went over to the window as he did with watching Fox. He noticed that she just stood there, looking off into the distance.

BANG. She fell to the ground immediately.

"Victoria!" Aron cried as he opened the door and ran outside.

BANG.

– – –

Aron opened his eyes immediately and was breathing heavily. Victoria was still sleeping on the couch next to him. He caught his breath and realized it was all a dream. All of a sudden, he heard the door open, and out of the corner of his eye, he could see Fox walking back in. Fox went back to his room and closed the door.

– – –

Aron woke up the following morning to find Victoria and Fox looking at a map of the United States coupled with Canada.

"So... where is this 'sanctuary'?"Victoria asked.

"From what the others have told me,it is a large property near the British Columbia border – more specifically near Crowsnest Pass. I remember them telling me that there is a river that splits the property. So, I'm assuming that it is somewhere in this 3-mile range." Fox said as he pointed at the map.

"When do you think would be the best time to go?"

"Honestly, every time of the year has its pros and cons. I believe summer is the worst time to go, even though you have a desirable climate. The days are longer for more exposure and many dangerous animals are out at that time, including overprotective mothers. Humans are more active at that time too. You should consider that they are not used to seeing our type and may possibly report or kill you."

"Those are good points." Victoria said while thinking.

"Winter is a pretty good time. The days are relatively short, meaning less exposure opportunities. Humans aren't too big of an issue, and quite a few animals are in hibernation. On the other hand, you have the climate to worry about and limited hunting opportunities for food."

"That's true. Very true."

"Autumn is a popular hunting time for humans. Being that you two are sport animals in some areas, that might not end well. And as for spring, animals are coming out of hibernation. A few of them are aggressive as well due to mating season. The days also are getting longer which might bring about an exposure risk."

"Planning our trip already?" Aron said as he walked up and interrupted the two of them talking.

"Just getting a few details straight!" Victoria fired back. "Fox suggested that winter is probably a good time to do it."