either,” Tuck yelled.

                        “Who said I wasn’t going to drop out?” buck asked now frustrated.

                        “Who said you were…” Tuck said calmed down. He turned away and went in the house. It was surprisingly 9PM. That meant Evan was home. Tuck figured Evan was upstairs so he raced up to Evans room and leapt on the bed. Evan was watching a movie. He was laying on his bed when Tuck pounced on him. Evan started to laugh.

                        “Lay down Tuck,” Evan laughed.

            Tuck laid down and watched the movie with him. Tuck watched the movie. It was called “Snow Dogs”.  The movie made Tuck think about racing. He wanted to race, but he wouldn’t “fit in”.  Tuck ended up falling asleep after the movie and so did Evan…

                        “Where am I?” Tuck spoke softly.

                        “Home…my son” A warm voice responded.

            Tuck looked around shocked. He was in a forest, surrounded by evergreens and standing in about a foot of snow.

                        “What?” Tuck asked confused.

                        “My son, it has been long since you’ve been home. As it has been since you’ve seen me.” The voice continued.

            Tuck looked around, searching for the voice. And then he thought…

                        “Mom?” Tuck asked hopefully.

                        “Yes, Tuck” Aniu spoke.

                        “But, but, you’re dead. I watched you die” Tuck said still looking. He felt a breeze behind him and jumped. He turned around to the sight of Aniu.

                        “I’m as alive as I am dead…”Aniu softly said looking at him. “Have you grown; it’s been so long…”

                        “How’s…how’s that possible. Are you dead or alive?” Tuck asked.

                        “Dead, my son; however, my spirit lives on. I’m simply a ghost; a guardian of my family” She said and lifted her head up into a howl and the wind blew as she disappeared.

                        “Wait, Mom don’t leave me!” Tuck yelled.

                        “Tuck? Tuck, wake up boy!” Evan said petting him.

            Tuck jumped up and shook his head. He looked around and then at Evan. Evan laughed.

                        “What’s wrong boy? It seemed like you were having a bad dream or something. You were moving a lot.” Evan chuckled as he put on a pair of jeans.

            Once Tuck realized it was all a dream he sighed. He really missed his mother.

                        “Come on Tuck, we got to go watch the big race!” Evan said racing down the steps.

            Tuck followed and remembered about the bet. His stomach churned and he ran with Evan out to the sidelines. Apparently they had slept through the starting shot, the dogs were already half way around the town. Only 3 more miles were left. Dumpster spotted Tuck and ran up to him.

                        “Tuck, Buck had the lead at half point. Aruk has to win or else you’ll lose Makyaa.” Dumpster said nervously.

                        “I know. I can’t lose Makyaa, she’s my lil sis. But Dad being the selfish jerk he is, cares more about his precious racing title more than his own family.” Tuck said watching the track. 

                        “Aw…What’s a matter? Big brother worried about his little baby sister?” Crawl smirked.

                        “Shut up Crawl!” Tuck snapped.

                        “What you going to do?” Crawl smirked circling him.

            Tuck growled and tackled him. The two began to fight and switched places from top to bottom over and over.

                        “You guys, quit it!” Dumpster yelled trying to keep them out of trouble.

            As the two fought, the dogs came around the corner. Buck was in the lead by a nose. Aruk was right behind him. As they were about to finish, Buck looked around. He looked at Makyaa happily sitting there. Buck looked down with a sad expression and slid to the left at the finish line. Aruk won and Buck came in second. Evan and his family had shocked faces. Aruk proudly pranced to the announcer. Buck stood there and then approached the announcer. He petted Buck’s head and gave him a medal. Aruk looked at Buck angrily.

                        “Wait a minute, why are you getting a medal? You lost!” Aruk stammered.

                        “Our new lead dog for Nome’s champion team will be Aruk. Aruk will become Buck replacement due to Buck retiring.” The announcer spoke.

            Buck walked over to his family. Tuck stopped fighting and looked at his dad shocked.

                        “You retired…you threw out another 2 years of championship racing titles for Makyaa…” Tuck said surprised in his father.

            Buck nodded and walked over to Evan’s dad. Tuck just stood there. He had completely misjudged his father. He had missed out on so much bonding with his father.

To be continued…