congratulated her. But one dog, a grey one, sits in the shadows, shifting nervously. Saba recognized him at once and her hackles raised, but deep down, she knew that she was overjoyed to see him. All the other dogs saw Saba tense and they all bristled too. The dog backed up until he was pressed against the wooden wall, then Saba walked to him, flattening her fur and nuzzled him.

      “I’m glad you ok,” she whispered to him, licking his cheek.

      “Sheila…. There’s something I need to tell you….” She began, shuffling his paws uneasily. “I don’t know how to say this, but I love you, Sheila.” He flinched, lowering his head as if not wanting to hear the answer. Everyone in the room fell silent with shock, but Saba knew she felt the same. She licked his cheek and they nuzzle each other. All the dogs wagged there tail.

      “Well, this is all very nice and sweet, but we don’t have all day!” scolded Boris “Common, Saba! Tell the story already!” Saba gave a good-humored grunt and settled herself next to the dog and began to tell her story.

      She was done by dusk as all the dogs went home, congratulating her. She left last, saying goodbye to her father and walking out, the dog at her heals. She stopped, looking at the dog.

      “I don’t think I caught your name,” she told him

      “My name is Lazo,” he rasped fondly, nuzzling Saba. Saba nuzzled back

      “You can call me Saba,” she whispered, licking his cheek and they sat side by side, watching Northern Lights dance across they deep Alaskan sky.