The shadows grew as they lay huddled in the corner, too stiff and tired to move. The way had been difficult, and even Toller lay in a heap, panting and twitching.
Had the children each known the thoughts of the other, they might have given up altogether, for even as Gwen smiled and cajoled, she longed to turn her feet towards home. Fin had kept a steady pace and held Gwen when she fell, guiding her through the roughest parts, all the while scared to death of the road ahead. Yet both remained silent, allowing the other to press on in ignorance. And so they slept.
Morning arrived dark and damp, yet even at this hour footsteps could be heard outside. Father is off hunting very early, thought Gwen as she snuggled deeper into the downy comfort of her bed. I wonder why he did not wake me to say goodbye?
Plop.
Gwen reached up in her sleep to wipe away...a raindrop?
It's raining in my bed.
Plop. Plop.
What?
Plop, plop, plop, plop.
The rain fell faster and harder, until it was a wall, a sheet of water pouring from the ceiling, through the hall. It was coming for her. She could hear her father running back to the house, running, the gravel crunching beneath his feet, running, rain pouring in the windows, beating at the roof, her body, rain beating her, and now she was running, running from the storm, running down the road, nowhere to hide, soaking, crying, running, where could she hide?! Where, where, whe -
Gwen jerked awake, eyes wide with fright, staring straight into the eyes of - "Toller! Ewww, Toller, no!" Gwen wiped her slobbery face on her shirt as Toller stood grinning with the satisfaction of having awakened her. "Fin, wake up and take care of your dog."
Fin, after a severe shaking, grudgingly awoke. He opened his mouth to protest, but the words never left his mouth. The sound of footsteps could be heard on the other side of the wall, and this time it was no dream.
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