On the verge of breaking down, I silently rise and seek a pen and paper before presenting a note to Aliana.
“Are you certain there is nothing we can do to assist?” Aliana reads aloud before arching an eyebrow at me. “Are you disinterested?” She enquires anxiously, “We can visit the park if you prefer.” Bray could extend his legs and engage in play with other puppies. “Allow me to retrieve the pram for Jenna,” she states as Andrew rises from his position to locate the aforementioned pram.
I shake my head at her, composing my reply. “We simply do not wish to impose.”
She gazes at the paper before smiling at me. “You are our guests, not a burden,” she laughs. “Tiana requested this favour, and it is no trouble whatsoever.” We possess ample resources to assist a few wolves in need,” she stated with a smile. “Simply relax and enjoy yourselves. Take a brief vacation while Tiana completes her task.
At that moment, the door opens, and Laura enters alone, a contemplative expression on her face.
“You have returned!” Aliana enquires, “How was the walk?” Have you viewed the entirety of River Moon?” She enquires with a jovial smile.”
Ricky smiles bashfully, her gaze fixed on her hands. “It was… enlightening…” she responds softly. “Josie had an emergency to address.”
Her voice conveys a grave tone, and Aliana seems to grasp the underlying significance of her remarks.
“You have arrived at an opportune moment.” “I believe Bray would appreciate some time at the park,” she indicates, observing Bray watching the movie on the floor with Muppet lounging beside him.
“Indeed, mother!” Bray weeps, hastily rising to his feet. “May we visit the park?”
Ricky gazes apprehensively at Aliana and me before granting her approval, while Bray exuberantly bounces and Muppet leaps at his feet. Andrew reappears with the pram for Aliana’s dog, accompanied by blankets and Muppet’s toys.
Aliana engages in conversation, identifying various buildings and elucidating their functions to alleviate any potential awkwardness throughout the trip. Ricky remains near me, observing Bray intently whenever he advances ahead with Muppet.
“Not too far, Bray,” she screams out, Aliana endeavouring to persuade her that her pup is secure.
Upon our arrival at the park, I assist Andrew in arranging a picnic for the girls, laying out a blanket accompanied by snacks and cushions for their seating. Bray dashes with Muppet across the expansive field towards the playground, where several dogs congregate around them. He effortlessly befriends them, initiating a game in which they chase one another and freeze upon being tagged.
Ricky’s gaze is watchful, and I fervently wish to provide solace, yet I recognise the imprudence of imposing myself at this moment. She is already apprehensive, and I must refrain from exacerbating her fear.
Melina traverses the park’s perimeter, collecting flowers, slender twigs, and elongated blades of grass. She returns with an abundant assortment of foliage and commences crafting crowns, her dexterous fingers intricately intertwining the flower stems and grass blades. Aliana observes in admiration, lauding Melina’s remarkable weaving abilities. Subsequently, Melina offers the crown to Aliana, positioning it atop her head.
Is this intended for me?Aliana enquires with a smile while placing her now slumbering puppy in his pram. “Thank you,” she expresses, recalling the ‘thank you’ gesture from earlier this morning.
Melina constructs another flower crown and positions it on Ricky’s head. Ricky nearly startles at the action, having been preoccupied with her puppy and unaware of Melina’s approach. Melina begins to tremble with anxiety, fearing she has erred.
“Apologies,” she gestures with a quivering palm, retreating.
Ricky stares at her for a little minute before accepting the flower crown and grasping Melina’s hand. “I apologise, you merely startled me,” Ricky clarifies, turning to me for further explanation.
Melina grins apprehensively and reiterates her apology for frightening her. Aliana observes their exchange with curiosity before posing a subject that I had contemplated since my initial encounter with my mate.
What is the source of your fear of werewolves? she enquires directly, resting her chin on her palm and gazing at Ricky with curiosity. “Were you assaulted?”
Ricky moves uneasily on her pillow and shakes her head. “You possess a delightful puppy…” she states with a strained smile, readjusting her floral crown. “What is his age?”
Aliana compresses her lips into a firm line, seemingly restraining herself, before directing her attention to the pram. “He is four months old… nearly five,” Aliana states with pride, though her expression soon shifts to one of sorrow. “Josie struggled to communicate her narrative,” she remarks with a sigh. “Therefore, I understand if you prefer not to share.” “For your information, you are secure here, so you may cease regarding us as if we intend to harm you,” she remarks with a gentle laugh. “We would have already inflicted harm if that were our intention.”
