The best family isn't always human

I see flashes of snow falling. The howls of the wolves ring out in the night.

The temperature drops and the cold wind freezes my bones. I huddle closer to my companion-

* * *

“Hey Noel! Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas Jones.”



Words are meaningless.

Merry? Didn’t know what that meant. It was just a means of reply in December, something automatic. I barely even thought about it when I wished someone a Merry Christmas.

Come to think of it, I don’t think anyone really means ‘Merry’ when they wish me. I suppose it’s a just a manner of custom now.

I duck my head as I walk past Gilberton’s toy store. The glance through an open window reveals a vibrant place. There are colourful pockets of toys scattered all over, huge teddy bears, Santa Claus in different outfits, a set of novels-business was booming here.

* * *

“How did we end up here?” I mutter, looking at Ralph.

He looks back at me mournfully.

The day had begun well enough- I was out here, a few miles from the small town in Alaska where I lived. I thought it would be a good idea to head out to the wild-with Ralph. Usually, I’d head out with friends or family, but I had none. Mother had passed away when I was three and dad? I don’t even know where he is now. No siblings. No real friends- though I had many associates. And no significant others.

It didn’t matter though- I had Ralph.

         * * *

The bell at the door chimed as I pushed the door to Gilberton’s open. I frowned inwardly at the attention it brought me-I would never understand why bells had to announce the entry of every newcomer to a store. It bought me unnecessary attention. And uncalled for sympathy. I glanced around at the people there, so busy with holiday shopping, that when I turned up, it set them off. I could read it from their faces-the sad looks, the frowns. ‘No family or friends’, ‘I’m sorry’, ‘Hmm..’. I could read it all-I was always good at reading faces. There’s more to read in faces than most books anyways.

         * * *

The temperature dips as the typical Alaskan winter takes over. Ralph and I had set out to scout elk to hunt, but a sudden blizzard had caught us unawares. Ralph had managed to find a small cleft, and the two of us huddled there.

I glanced at the falling snow. The gingerly white flakes-alone they were beautiful, but together they meant death. I stared soundlessly at the cold wind. There was a deathly quiet in the blizzard- no sign of life anywhere. I didn’t realise it till much later, though-I was to busy huddling close to Ralph and trying to conserve the little body heat we shared.

Night fell.

I must have fallen asleep at some point, because I was jerked awake when Ralph twitched his legs. He rose up, baring his hackles, and growled, low and menacing. I blearily opened my eyes-all I saw was snow. The blizzard had blown out, and the clear moonlight shone on the clear snow bank, covering everything in sight. It was beautiful-kind of like those snow-capped mountain scenes you seen in pictures. This was nothing different-for the most part. The only problem was the wolves. I couldn’t see them yet, but I could hear them. Their wailing howls cut through the still night like teeth through flesh.

I guessed there were three or four, probably scouts from a pack. I signalled Ralph to stay put and quiet. I placed a hand on his collar warning, and he growled, albeit much more quietly. He hesitantly lay down. I ran my hand over his back-I could feel his muscles stiff. They were clenching in anticipation.

“Not now, old boy. It’s better we lay low.”

The howls grew closer. I closed my eyes and prayed.

         * * *

“Good evening mister. How may I help you?”

I’m startled from my brooding-which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Who knows where that road may take me? I glanced at the source of the voice. Looked like a new person in town, which meant another round of 'Oh, I’m sorry for your loss.’ Not that they were though, really.

The attendant seemed nice. She looked about my age, dressed in the signature Gilberton overalls, with a ponytail of blonde hair. She had an oval face, her cheeks red-probably from running up and down the store after kids with tantrums- and she seemed a bit out of breath.

I smiled at her. “I’m just looking for a Christmas gift.”

I bit my tongue. That would give her the wrong idea. I wasn’t looking for a ‘Christmas gift’, actually-I had no one to give it too. Well, not the box wrapped in paper and ribbons anyway. I was just looking for a red ball, and maybe a stuffed moose-for Ralph.

She attendant smiled. “Sure thing! Would you like to look through some toys? Or books? I’d recommend the new Overworld Chaos series.”

“Er..no, thanks,” I glanced down and read the name tag pinned at her chest-Bess G. “Bess. I’m just looking for a red ball and a stuffed moose.”

Her brow wrinkled. “Are we talking about your child here?”

“It depends. It’s Ralph, my Norwegian elk hound.”

Whatever reaction I expected was nothing close. Her eyes lit up even more-if that were possible, and Bess smiled. A genuine smile, not the ‘how-can-I-help-you-and-leave’ smile.

“An elk hound? That’s awesome! I’ve always wanted to meet one. I have a husky too-she’s named Anna. Can I see him? It really admire that species of dog-it’s my favourite actually.”

“Well, uh, sure? I’m free this evening, I guess. We could head down to my home-if you want to meet Ralph.”

I couldn’t tell if I was developing a fever or the store had just gotten a whole lot warmer. I hoped my lack of experience with, well, women in general, wasn’t to evident to Bess.

Bess was free. We exchanged addresses, and she promised to come over that evening.

I walked out of the store with three things. Two I had bought- the ball and the moose. One I had not-the smile. Finally, someone in town was as crazy about dogs as I was.

I glanced at the falling snow, before hurrying home. I had to have some semblance of order there, when Bess arrived.

         * * *

I turned the corner, and saw my small, two-story cottage. There was an old cluster of vines growing from the side, and paint was flaking off at the corners. The windows were clear, however, and the curtains had been drawn back by me earlier today. The small rundown garden at the front had some semblance of beauty, but it was far from award winning.

It wasn’t a lot, but it was home. There’s nothing like your own house, simply because it’s yours.

I hurried up the entrance, and saw Ralph looking worried at me, just like he had a few months back.

         * * *

I opened my eyes and saw Ralph’s concerned gaze.

Huh.

I must have fallen asleep. Where were the wolves?

I opened my eyes and looked around. Night had passed, and dawn had arrived.

The forest was lively again-birds chirping, rabbits scampering around, and I think I even saw a lynx prowling in the distance. The blizzard and the wolves seemed to have disappeared. Was it just my imagination? I glanced at Ralph, before heading out of our small shelter.

We made good time back to the van I had parked a mile off. A mile was nothing in broad daylight, but in a blizzard it was huge.

I was relieved, and maybe even cried a bit.

Turns out, it wasn’t my imagination. I realised that from two things-

One was my snow covered truck. The snow was deep, and the trees coated in snow creaked and swayed, as if in the aftershock of a blizzard.

The other was the huge set of footprints just outside my cleft. I don’t know how they wolves hadn’t found us, but I’m grateful even today.

         * * *

I stirred the sugar in the hot chocolate and set out the gingerbread to cool. Ralph was busy chewing on his new ball. The stuffed moose was nowhere to be seen.

There was a knock at my door, and I got up. Not quicker than Ralph though-he always got to the doors first. There was a yelp from the other side, and Ralph looked excited. I turned the latch.

Ralph shot out and tripped, tackling the other dog. I wasn’t sure whether to be concerned or laugh. The two snarled at each other, circling, before exchanging the usual dog curtsies, with plenty of apologies from Ralph, before settling down. I glanced at Bess, who I finally noticed. She was wearing a red jacket, and some kind of jeans. There was probably more to it, but my idea of fashion is limited to the necessities.

“Hey.”

“Hey. I’m really sorry, but I realised I never actually got your name.” Bess replied, turning red.

I chuckled, and then stretched out my hand. “Nice to meet you, I’m Koa.”

“Pleasure’s mine. That’s a unique name.”

“Hawaiian. Before you ask-I have never been to Hawaii. Would like to, though.”

Bess chuckled at that. “So, you free for a walk?”

“Do you think I can say no?” I replied, winking, while Bess snorted.

“Hilarious. You’d think someone with that much free time would come up with better pick-up lines.”

“Whoa there, easy. It wasn’t one, for the record. And i’m not free-I have a family to take care of.”

“Family?”

I glanced at Ralph and grinned. “Yeah, my family’s keeping me plenty busy.”

“Can I meet them?” Bess looked curious.

Ralph, who had been running around the small garden with Anna, chose that moment to tackle me. I fell, and then sat up, rolling my eyes. Anna ran up to me. She seemed like a sweet dog, content to just sniff at me, let me pat her furry head, and barked politely, before heading off with Ralph, to do whatever dogs do.

“You just did.”

“I did?”

I glanced at Bess.

“Hey Bess. Meet Ralph. He’s my family.”