The wolf continued to look in their direction, turned as if it was being called and then scampered off towards the brush seeming to fade away before actually reaching the foliage.
“Strange, my eyes must be playing tricks, the wolf almost seemed to vanish. Billy turned the key again and this time the Bronco fired right off.”
“I saw it too Billy. Very strange but I think we should go.” With that Billy dropped it into gear and pulled onto the North path. “And I don’t think we’ll mention this to your mother, at least not yet.”
Back at the house they got unloaded and removed the old stove putting it out behind the garage for now. They had just finished setting up the new range, when Billy’s mom came in. “Hello Flo, my love. I got you a little something.”
“Oh Ralph! So this is what you and Billy were up to earlier. I can’t believe it!” Placing her bags on the table she ran over and gave him a big hug and kiss, then kissed Billy on the cheek. “Thank you boys. You’re rascals but this is one of the best surprises ever.”
Billy’s dad checked his watch, “And we’re not done. There are selection guides on the table. You need to select a cabinet front style and then we’ll get those parts ordered. Tony told me that most items were stock so we prescheduled your kitchen makeover for three weeks from now. And there are all new small appliances, a new front panel for the dishwasher to match, since we just replaced it last year. And the fridge we replaced last month with the style you have been gushing over for the past couple years because you didn’t think we would be able to do the whole kitchen. It all matches.”
“I guess I best get my apron on and try out the new stove, it’s supper time after all.”
“Actually Mom,” the doorbell sounded off. “We also ordered Chinese take out so you could just relax tonight. You can make breakfast tomorrow with it before I leave for my place mid-morning.”
“I guess you guys thought of everything.”
Billy thought to himself, “Everything here maybe. But what was going on with him and what was up with this white wolf? Were they somehow related? He couldn’t see a connection but then none of it made sense.”
His dad came back into the room carrying a large bag marked in red letters on the side “Cheng Wang’s Buffet”. He set it on the table and began to empty it. “Billy you wanna grab some plates for us?”
Billy didn’t react, still consumed with his thoughts.
“Billy. Billy! What’s up dear? Are you okay?”
“Uh, yeah mom. Sorry, I guess I spaced out for a moment there.” His mother gave him a look of concern, “Really Mom. I’m fine, just a very full day.” He chuckled, “You know what a slave driver dad is.”
“Well, I suppose. Maybe you should stay one more day before heading back to your place.”
“I’m…”
“It’d be a good idea, son. Besides I have one more thing I need some help with tomorrow, so if you wouldn’t mind.” Giving Billy a wink that his mom couldn’t see. “Now, let’s dig in.”
After a very filling meal with all their favorites, discussion of the new kitchen plan, and finally Billy’s plans for the semester starting the following week. They cleared the table and played two full games of Rummy, which mom won both to no one’s surprise. At this point it was after 11:00 so they all turned in.
Billy drifted off peacefully for a few hours then became aware of a presence in the room. Remaining motionless, he opened his eyes partly and could see the moonlight spilling through his window onto the bed sheets. The hairs on his arms began to lift and he heard the low howl of a wolf in the distance.
He opened his eyes the rest of the way and saw Buddy sitting at the bed next to him quietly, his tongue panting in and out as if he had just completed a great run. The wolf howled again, Buddy stopped and looked toward the window and then at Billy. It seemed as if he was smiling, there was a thump as he settled down to the floor unconcerned.
Billy continued to lay completely still; the room took on a slight violet hue and when Billy looked back at the floor where he had seen Buddy lie down, it was just rug. A final howl in the distance, the violet light faded, the light from the moon dissipated as clouds started rolling in and Billy heard it begin to rain outside. Gentle at first, then more insistent. A flash and moments later a crack of thunder. Another flash, Billy started counting. Eighteen, nineteen, boom. Almost four miles away nothing concerning. He laid there just watching and listening until his eyelids grew heavy and he drifted back off to sleep.
Billy felt a great weight settle at the foot of his bed awakening him slightly. It was still very dark out, there was no moonlight and the room was only slightly lit by the light from his alarm. He was about to drift back to sleep when he felt his bed jostle slightly as the weight was released from his bed and something hit the floor. Opening his eyes fully, he saw what appeared to be a white wolf. It padded toward the door, turned and looked directly at him as if beckoning him to follow. After waiting a moment it then scampered towards the door and began padding down the stairs. Billy leaped out of bed and followed him onto the stairs seeing his tail turn the corner of the landing. But as Billy turned the corner the wolf had vanished.
A dim light was on in the kitchen and his father was sitting at the table with some peanut butter crackers and a glass of milk. “The storm wake you?”
“Earlier, but then I had weird dreams. Did you see it?”
“See what?”
He stammered, “The white wolf,” thinking his dad would think he’d totally lost it.
“Of course, he came in with the storm. You want a snack?”
Billy was at a loss for words, “I…”
“He’s been here most of the night, he came for you.”
Billy heard a snarl, looked up and saw the white wolf charging directly at him. Jaws agape, saliva dripping of his fangs. He put his arms out in front of him…”
Next Monday we’ll see how Billy fared…
Episode 6 – 5/17/21
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