7

7

(Kathryn’s POV)

The sun shone through the window, waking me up with its bright spotlight, and I now knew why my aunt had her bed on the opposite wall. I would have to move the bed or get better curtains for the window. Scott was sound asleep next to me, and I tried not to wake him, knowing he had a long drive when he left this morning. I half expected him to cuddle with me during the night, so I slept in a long-sleeved shirt and sweatpants with socks. I didn’t want to have any accidental visions in the middle of the night.

Suddenly Scott’s alarm went off. I looked at the clock and saw that it was 5 am. He rolled over, stared at me and mumbled, “Morning Kat, sorry to wake you.”

“No worries, the sun did that,” I smiled.

“Wow, it’s bright on your side of the bed. I’ll help you move it to the other side of the room before I leave,” he said, getting up and walking into the bathroom.

“You can help me with the gym too if you want,” I added.

“No way! you're too particular on where the punching bags go. I've to be out of here by 7 am. You’re on your own,” he yelled, stepping into the shower. He was right; the bags had to be positioned in just the right places so that nothing is in the way when I’m working out.

I climbed out of bed to make breakfast before Scott left. I was going to miss him. It had been nine months since his last visit. Now it will be just me in this big house. Well, there is the cat, but I haven’t seen her since we moved in. I refilled her food bowl a couple of times, so I know she’s here somewhere. Maybe I should get a dog. I’m sure that would go over well with Her Highness.

We quietly ate breakfast and then moved the bed to the shaded side of the room. It was always awkward when he left. He knew that there wouldn’t be more between us than friendship, but I sometimes have a feeling he wants more. I haven't been able to give him more since the accident. Even so, he never disappeared when everyone else did. Scott will always be my best friend, and I'll always be his.

Since I was still wearing my full-coverage bedtime outfit, it was safe to hug before he got in the truck. I took a little extra time with the hug. Even though it can’t be skin-to-skin, it still feels nice to have a little contact every now and then. Scott kissed the top of my head and then climbed into the truck. I waved while he drove away and then sighed. I was really going to miss him. I decided to go for a run to cheer myself up.

*****

It was a warm day, so the running attire was a sports bra and shorts. It was good to run on my own property, I could wear what I wanted. Down the same path as yesterday, to spend more time at the lake today. I might even find a place to put a chair or a bench so I can be more comfortable sitting down there.

During my run I saw some squirrels, rabbits, and pheasants. I hadn’t realized there were so many different animals around. I couldn’t wait to run again tomorrow, hoping I would spot something new then. Arriving at the lake, I sat down on the large rock I found yesterday. It’s a good place to sit for a little while, but not comfortable enough for fishing.

I looked around the lake and saw a doe drinking the water. She was so cute, and very skittish - just the tiniest bit of noise would scare her off. She looked up and then ran into the forest, and I wondered what scared her. Then, across the lake, I saw the same wolf from yesterday. He walked to the edge of the lake and helped himself to a drink.

This time I didn’t move. I wanted to watch him. From the other side of the lake, he posed no threat to me here. I would just sit quietly and watch him get his drink, and then he would be on his way. Besides, I had my trusty gun in case anything happened. I patted my hip at that thought, then realized I had forgotten the gun again. I looked at the wolf again and found him staring back at me. It was like he was studying me. He sat down and tilted his head to the side, looking like he was curious about the human who didn’t run at the sight of him.

I slowly stood up to climb down the rock, and he stood up too. I sat back down, and so did he. Great…I’m playing a game with a wolf. ‘Who needs a dog?’ I thought, and chuckled as he continued to copy my movements. I waved at him and he turned his head to the side again.

I heard a branch snap behind me and quickly turned to see what made the sound, but there was nothing there. It seemed I was as skittish as the deer, and I was starting to feel uneasy. I looked back at the wolf, who was still sitting there. When I got off the rock, he stood up. I heard another snap - it was time to go. I backed away and the wolf ran off. I started to jog back down the trail, went about fifty yards then came to a complete halt. There, standing in front of me, was a different wolf. This one was tan in color and growling at me. I took a step back, and he took a step forward. I was in real trouble now. This wolf wasn’t as big as the dark brown one, but he was still bigger than any wolf I’ve ever seen in a zoo.

He took another step towards me and growled again, and this time it was louder. There was nowhere for me to run but back to the lake. If I jumped in, would he come in after me? Am I even fast enough to outrun a wolf? Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a dark shadow moving. The dark brown wolf from the lake had arrived. He was only a few feet away from me, and he was growling too. ‘Great, now I've two wolves to contend with. I’m dead for sure.’ Just as I thought that, both wolves lunged forward.