7. Maple
Maple
Apple smell girl is sad-scared.
Maple knows sad-scared. Remembers being small, cold, hungry before big warm Liam found her. Apple smell girl has same worry scent.
But also… apple scent.
Sweet good apple scent that makes Maple’s mouth water and hooves dance. Want to be near apple girl.
Want to protect apple girl like pack protects Maple.
Gate is easy. Always easy.
Humans think they are clever with their locks and rope-ties, but Maple has hooves and determination and very good teeth for chewing rope.
Soft ground feels good under hooves. Cool air carries many scents: earth smell, growing things smell, and far away… big warm Liam smell walking this way.
Good. Pack should be together.
I bleat loudly “Open door. Apple girl.”
Apple girl opens door. Face brightens when see Maple.
Good. Maple butts head against apple girl’s legs, demanding proper scratches behind ears.
Yes, there. Perfect.
Big warm Liam comes. Talks with apple girl. Maple listens but mostly focuses on apple scent—is getting stronger.
Less worry smell now.
Big warm Liam leaves. Apple girl needs Maple comfort tonight.
Inside, Maple investigates. Soft thing perfect for chewing like big purple stick.
That was fun. Apple girl and big warm Liam. All of us playing. And running. Best day.
Apple girl goes to big soft sleeping place. “You’re welcome to stay there or join me,” she says.
Maple hop onto big soft sleeping place. Circle once, twice, three times… must make comfortable. Settle at apple girl’s feet where can protect.
Apple girl’s breathing slows.
Worry smell fades.
Maple happy.
Sleep time now.