if she’d been shot, and stepped back as well.

More tears came as she turned and dashed down the street.

Balto sighed.

He hadn’t wanted to hurt her, but…

He turned and walked back up the steps, reaching the top just as Jenna stepped out.

She looked mad, in fact, had Balto not known her the way he did… well it looked like she would kill him.

“Where is she?” Jenna snapped.

“I don’t know,” Balto said, “and I don’t care.”

Jenna still looked a little angry.

Balto nuzzled her, and she didn’t step back.

Gradually, her anger melted.

“What was that?” she asked quietly. “you were going to go with her, weren’t you?”

He sighed and nodded.

Jenna turned away.

“Jen,” Balto said, ”I was going to, but then… but then I thought of you, and how much I love you.”

She turned back around.

Balto’s smile faded, and he became the most serious Jenna could ever recall seeing him.

“You’re the only one for me Jen.”

She smiled.

“Oh Balto…”

She looked at the ground.

He walked over to her and nuzzled her, raising her muzzle with his paw so he was looking her right in the eyes.

“I love you Jen.”

She smiled.

“I love you too Balto.”

He smiled.

“You want to go for a walk?”

“Sure,” Jenna said.

THE END