Adele's Stories

The wolf’s ears twitched apprehensively. It looked just as scared as I was. I didn’t mean to stumble upon its den. It was just a normal hike. I didn’t even know wolves lived in this part of the country.
My heart rate sped up and I raised myself to my full height. I remember dad mentioning something about if you ever encounter a wolf, you make yourself bigger, act aggressive and maintain eye contact.
But I didn’t know how to be aggressive. And what if it prompted the wolf to attack? Before my thoughts got farther the wolf moved.
She backed away and looked quickly behind her. If anything she seemed terrified. But I could tell by her stiff limbs that she’d fight if she had to.
And then just like that my whole perspective changed. Because out from the bushes came a little puppy to cower beneath his mothers legs. I let my body relax. The wolf was only trying to protect her pup. I held up my hand in a pacifying gesture.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I promise I don’t want to hurt you or your baby.” As I spoke I moved slowly backward trying to find my way back to the path that I so stupidly left. Dad was right. I shouldn’t have gone on this hike without a guide. He knew if I was by myself I wouldn’t be able to resist the need to explore. And look where it got me?

I continued to back away until I could no longer see the wolf. Then I finally turned around and found my way back to the path. Though it was a short interaction, I always remembered that mother wolf. Especially when I one day had my own little on to look after.