hated cowards, whether it made sense to run off or not.

Jack was in for it now. Oh, yeah. He was definitely in for it.

Chapter 8

            I couldn’t describe how happy I was. It almost felt like there was nothing in the world to worry about. I couldn’t help but smile as I ran through the wide open fields filled with grass. I could feel the wind through my coat of fur. It actually felt weird not having to dodge a car or something. But I felt great. I felt free. It was unlike anything I’ve ever felt before, and I loved that feeling. I still do. It was a kind of feeling that gave me confidence. I even had it in me to laugh a little bit. It was unbelievable. I was finally free.

            I was sprinting as fast as I could across the fields, heading strait for the forest. I didn’t pay any mind to the humans back at the ranger’s base. I was far enough to be safe. I looked back at the base. It was pretty far back. I couldn’t even see the humans there. Then, as I looked back, he looked at the surrounding fields, and the clear blue sky, with the sun hitting every spot in the park. It was beautiful. I could see the wavy meadows and the tree covered hills covering the whole area. The green of the fields mixed in perfectly with the tan of the sides of the cliffs and mountains. This was only something that a dog could dream about, and it was real. It was all real. A dream come true.

            It took me about maybe three minutes to reach the forest. I was on the not so steep part of the hill. I can’t remember the last time I saw a tree. There were pines everywhere, and they were so green. I couldn’t see one dead pine needle on the trees that surrounded me, and there were no dead branches on the ground where I was. The ground was almost clear. The forest in front of me looked pretty clear, so I decided to take another run.

            It felt great, running free through the woods. I felt wild. My soul had lifted up, and I felt as light as the wind. I smiled as I ran past the trees. I still felt the wind on my face even through the trees. I don’t think I had ever been this happy… well… I think there was one time.

            I started to think about John and Macy, and their three beautiful children, and the days I spent with them. I think that was the only time in my life I was ever this happy. At that time, I couldn’t have asked for a better family to spend my life with. I slowed down at the thought of them. I started to look down. I missed them dearly, so dearly. My throat started to feel heavy, and I felt water come into my eyes… I missed them.

            Then all of a sudden, I spotted something out of the corner of my eye. It was some kind of Grey thing. It was pretty close. I almost started to panic not knowing what it was. The next thing I know, I get knocked on the head, and I hear an “Ow!” Come from whatever I had just butted heads with. I heard my self say “Ow!” too, along with the knock of my skull. I couldn’t concentrate on what the voice sounded like, my head hurt too much.

            I got knocked to the ground, not too hard, but not too soft either.

            “Oh, God.” I moaned. “Ow.”

            Once again, in the corner of my eye, I saw the Grey figure stand up slowly.

            “Ow, my head.” She said.

            It was a girl! I thought. Oh, no.

            “Watch where you’re going!”

            I got up slowly, still feeling the pain on my noggin.

            “I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to…”

            Then I looked at her, and saw what I had bumped heads with. It was a wolf! A Grey wolf! I started to become concerned about myself. The last I’ve heard about wolves, they aren’t very nice.

            “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bump into you.” I said.

            The wolf was rubbing her ears and her head with her right paw, groaning from the pain. I got a little closer, trying to keep my distance at the same time.

            “Are you alright?”  I asked.

            “I’m fine. It’s just a bump.”

            “I’m really sorry.”

            “It’s alright.”

            Then she looked up, and I saw her face. And when I saw her face, I thought I was looking at an angel. She was absolutely beautiful! Positively stunning! Her light Grey fur, her glowing eyes, her perfect body and face; it must have been an angel, I thought. She was looking right into my eyes, and I was looking right into hers. I was in a Trans. I have never seen anything more beautiful in my life. I thought I was dreaming. I felt the bump on top of my head, and it hurt when I felt it. I wasn’t dreaming! She was real! I almost couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

            Then a few seconds later, discovered that I was staring at her. I must have looked like a freaking idiot. I shook my head, and looked at her again.

            “I really didn’t see you coming. I was looking down and I didn’t see you.”

            “Oh, it’s alright. I understand. It was my fault too, I guess. I wasn’t paying attention.”

            I couldn’t believe it. She was smiling at me. She sounded so nice. She didn’t sound the least threatening to me. And her voice, her voice sounded so soft, so calm and beautiful, along with her looks.

            “Are you hurt badly?”

            “No, I’m alright. It’s just a bump.” She laughed. Her laugh was so wonderful. It made me want to smile. I have never heard a more perfect laugh in my life.

            I walked closer to her, trying to see the bump on her head. My heart started to race as I got closer. I didn't see any large, swollen bump anywhere through her fur, or even a red spot, which I was glad for. The last thing I wanted was to leave a mark on someone that I just met, especially a female. She noticed me coming over and started to talk to me.

            “Is there anything there?”

            “No. I don't see anything, which is weird because I heard that bump.” I said examining the top of her head.

            “Yeah.” She said as I continued to examine her head. “Me too.”

            After a few minutes of looking at the top of her head, I didn't see anything bad.

            “You're right. I think you'll be  fine.”

            “Thanks for checking.” She said smiling.

            “Oh, no problem.”

            I backed away a little, and she looked at me.

            “Does yours hurt?” She asked.

            “Oh, no. I'm fine.”

            “Are you sure, you didn't sound very fine when you were on the ground.”

            “Yeah, I'm sure. Pain goes away for me just like that. Trust me.”

            She giggle a little. My heart sank hearing her laugh. My heart sank just to hear her soft, gentle voice.

            She paused a little. “I'm Sarah.”

            “I'm Jack.”

            “Well, it's very nice to meet you, Jack.”

            “Likewise, Sarah.”

            I blinked and smiled at her. I couldn't help it. She looked at me a little strangely.

            “What?”

            I paused. “Oh, nothing. It's just that... you're very nice”