time to reveal that ghosts and magic were real.

            Ginger looked back at the town, then at Polaris.

            “I’ll come with you,” she said.

            Polaris licked Ginger’s snout, and Ginger returned the kiss.

            The next morning, Polaris woke up snuggled up to Ginger in the cave Steele had shown her.

            Steele stood at the mouth of the cave. He was smiling and wagging his tail.

            Polaris got up slowly and went outside to talk to him.

            “Thanks, Polaris,” he said. “I’m free now. Good luck with Ginger. I hope you’re happy out here. And if you ever really need help…go find Aniu. She’s the wolf I mentioned. She lives out in the mountains between here and the sea.

            “Thank you,” Polaris said. “Goodbye, Steele.”

            “Goodbye,” Steele said, then vanished.

            Ginger turned over and opened her eyes.

            “Were you talking to someone?” she asked.

            Polaris hesitated, then said,

            “Just saying goodbye to that dog I told you about. He’s not a stray anymore.”

            “That’s great!” Ginger said.

            Ginger stepped out of the cave and took in the beautiful wilderness.

            “Welcome home,” Polaris said.