A New Life

Escape

Jasmine's parents were on our side with the fact that the dogs were ours long ago, but they also agreed that they could not stay here.

"The sooner they get away, the better it'll be for you." They offered to take them while we looked for a decent house across the country, and then help us transport them one at a time once we were settled in. To this we agreed, thanking them many times. Jasmine said I must tell part of their plan to Arnold(but not all of it) just so that they would not be suspecting them. But first Lupo and his pack would have to go to Jasmine's parents' house so that Arnold would not see them. Lupo was against this once he found out, but he suffered himself to be driven away in secret in Jasmine's truck at night. And so the plan came together.

One morning I went over to Arnold's house with Grigio and asked if I could speak with him. We went for a walk in the park, Grigio chasing butterflies again.

"Arnold, I'm thinking of moving."

"Don't you like it down here?"

"Well, one of the problems is that there is not enough space. Sure, there's fields, but I can't afford to buy them all. And you can't either."

"You should give up several of your dogs for adoption. What, you've got like 35 including the strays from other people that you've taken in."

"No, no. My dogs are staying with Jasmine and I."

"But you surely can't keep 35 dogs in a farm! And you're breeding them!"

"I can keep them as long as I am able."

"I'm still searching for a dog. If you would let me adopt one of your dogs, it would make it easier for both of us."

"Even if I let you, they wouldn't even stay with you.. They would stay with Jasmine and I."

"Wouldn't Grigio?"

I hesitated, then grew firm. "No. I just came to tell you goodbye, for I'm leaving first thing tomorrow morning." I walked away, snapping my fingers three times for Grigio to go home.

When I got back home, Jasmine had had the last few things packed. We settled into bed.

The next morning we woke up early. The last batch of dogs were sent off in Jasmine's parents' truck, and we pulled our mattresses over the last few things to go in our truck for Salty to sit on. Yes, Salty was coming with us in our truck. And his mate too. In a few minutes other elves would drive the sheep away and then Jasmine and I would be the last to go. I locked the door and saw Arnold coming up the path. He had decided to say goodbye to Jasmine(and asked if he could have a dog again) one last time.

"Well Jasmine. Hope you and Freckio have a good time." He did not go near the truck though; Salty was inside growling and showing his teeth. We drove off, Salty barking fiercely back.

Ten minutes later Arnold called on Freckio's flip phone. "So, uh. What did you say you did with the dogs?"

I sighed. "I gave them to a friend, who will give them back when we are settled in."

"Can I be that friend?"

"No." I hung up the phone.

Now I am nearing the end of the exciting part of my journey. Jasmine and I found a house and settled there with all of our wonderful dogs. A few times we had to run from policemen and settle somewhere else, but most of the time we stayed put. We never saw Arnold again, and hardly set eyes upon other people. Perhaps if you keep your eyes open you shall see us in random places, or perhaps see one of our dogs roaming the countryside. We still breed dogs and I am still a farmer, but now we also keep watch over villages as much as we can, and few dare to enter possible places where we are at. I hope you were as much surprised at my story as I am.

See you later!