Upon Three Paws

Chapter 3 ✅

Down With The Barriers

One by one we get our usual check up. Weight, height, amount we're eating, favourites to eat, amount of body fat, strength, speed, stamina, amount of water we drink, blood samples for later.

By the time everyone finally finishes, my mental tolerance has been pushed passed its limit and I'm both mentally and physically exhausted. The others look like they're in the same boat laying panting in the basket with me. My siblings and I may act all fun and silly, but in reality we all just want a distraction from the cold creatures, the blank white walls, grey blankets, dim lighting at night.

The two cold creatures leave us all curled up in the large, cushioned basket before walking out and shutting the door behind them.

"You alright Almond?" The worry in Twigs tone is obvious, but thankfully he's only talking to me.

"Are you?" I shoot back. Not in a mean way, just in an explanation way. As in; if you aren't okay why should I be?

"I'll survive, but it's not living."

Nodding an agreement, I curl into myself and attempt to get some shut eye. My bushy tail settles over my eyes, blocking out some more light and giving me a thread of comfort.

"Are you that tired?" Dawn asks, but keeps her voice down as to not disturb the others. She hasn't yet fully mastered the ability to speak with just one of us and instead mostly uses body gestures to communicate. I have to agree with her that it gets difficult at times as it seems to use more energy. To my left Streak shifts and gently smacks her with his tail, causing her to snort and back away.

"She had two needles of blood taken, give her a break," Ash's sleepy voice rung out.

Dawn huffs out at him, but doesn't pursue the topic further. Thankful for the silence, I snuggle further into my warmth, and the comfort of once again sleepy among my family.

Dream
Yellow grass reaching up to the sky, an endless field waving in the wind. Sweet scented air with a rich undertone of soil fills my lungs. It feels so right.

My paws glide across the soft surface and the added traction helps push me faster and faster. When I come to a stop among the large grass, I'm panting and my heart is beating out of my chest. I can't care less though, it was still worth it to run like that. 

The sensation of wind ruffling my coat of fur is one of a kind and fills me with bliss. Knowing that I can run and run without a limit besides my own strength was too much to take. Rising up onto my back haunches, I lift my head into the air and let out a strange sound that echoes across the plain.

Instinct tells me it's a howl and that it signals to my siblings where I am. We're a pack.

"Almond."

I gasp and look around for Sun. Her voice seems to come from everywhere though, making it impossible to track the source of it. Her scent must be covered up by the sweet scent of the yellow wisps, instinct informing me that it's wheat. Something vibrates beneath my feet and I drop back to my four paws in order to keep my balance.

"Almond! Wake up!"

"Sun," I call out. "Sun! Where are you!?"