The school bell chimed for the last time that day, and a young Italian wolf named Leo got up from his desk and fell in line with the other students as they exited the classroom. Leo was only five feet tall; quite small for a boy twelve years of age. His fur was a fine stone gray colour, whilst his muzzle, paws and chest fur were ice white. The tips of his ears and bushy tail had black streaks to them.
“Remember, Class!” called the teacher, a red panda. “Stay safe and have a happy Christmas and New Year!” Leo smiled to himself; he was glad that the Christmas holidays were finally here.
“Hey there, Leo!” said a voice. Leo turned to see his friend, a chameleon.
“Hi there, Gary!” said Leo, “Looking forward to the holidays?”
“I sure am!” said Gary, “My family’s going to Switzerland to spend Christmas and New Years on the slopes.”
“That sounds like a swell time;” said Leo, “Plus, all the Christmas trees you could ever want!”
“And all for free too!” said Gary, “What are you doing for Christmas?”
“Probably staying at home with Mum;” said Leo, “Or maybe visiting family; she hasn’t told me otherwise.”
“Well I hope you enjoy your Christmas anyway;” said Gary, “By the way, I’ve got something for you.” He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small game cartridge.
“501 DS games in One? Nice! Thanks, Mate. I hope Castlevania and Contra are on hear.”
“My pleasure, Mate.” said Gary, “I guess I’ll see you in the New Year, huh?”
“I guess so!” said Leo, “Bye! And thanks a million!”
“See you ‘round, Leo!” said Gary as he scarpered off to board his bus. Leo placed the game cartridge in his pocket before getting in line for his school bus. Once he had boarded and sat down in his seat, he looked out the window. The sidewalks were coated with deep drifts of snow, which had been lopped to the side of road when the plow lorries had been through the streets earlier that day.
Two minutes later, the bus’s engine started, and followed the other buses out of the school yard; en route to the various homes where they would deposit their passengers for the remainder of the year.
*****
It only took ten minutes for the bus to reach Leo’s house.
“Thanks, Robin!” Leo said to the driver, an emperor penguin.
“Ye’re welcome, Lad!” said the driver with a smile, “Happy Christmas!” Once the bus started off down the street, Leo looked around his hometown; the small suburban town of Watersmane. Not knowing what else he could do, Leo started the walk home; which was only two minutes from the bus stop. Upon reaching his house, he knocked on the door.
Moments later, the front door is opened reviling a tall, female spotted hyena with frizzy blonde hair and a muscular build. Her fur is sand coloured, whilst her muzzle, paws, chest fur and her spots are chocolate brown. The hyena’s name is Rachael, and she is in her early 30’s.
A gleaming smile begins to form on her muzzle, showing off her pearly white fangs as she greets her family member.
“Heya Kid” the hyena exclaims as she pulls the little wolf into a warm embrace. “How are you? And how is school?”
“Oh, I’m good aunt Rachael and so are my lessons” the young wolf replies as he hugs older canine back.
Of course, Rachael wasn’t really Leo’s aunt. But as they were very close, just like an aunt and nephew would be.
“How’s your job as a personal trainer, going?”
“Oh, its routine and satisfying. As always of course. I don’t have any complaints.”
The hyena then calls out “Hey sister! Leo’s back!”
No sooner had the words left her mouth, they both were greeted by a beautiful African lioness, named Angel. Angel was very tall and in her early thirties. Her fur was a rich golden honey yellow, whilst her muzzle and paws where cream colored. Distinctively, her arms where quite muscular and just like Leo (even though they weren’t biologically related), she had hazel eyes and short spikey head fur.
“Hi there, Sweetheart!” she exclaimed as she came up to him and gave him a large hug, “How was school today?”
“Pretty good;” said Leo, “I’m just glad we have the next two weeks off from school to enjoy the holidays.”
“That’s wonderful, Hun;” said Angel, “By the way… I have a surprise for you…!”
“Would it have anything to do with the suitcases?” asked Leo. After all their where 3 large suitcases in the front hall.
“It does!” said Angel, who was nearly bursting from excitement, “We’ll be going on holiday for Christmas! The three of us of course.”
That explained why Rachael, Angels best friend in the whole wide world, was over at their place.
“Brilliant!” exclaimed Leo, “Where are we going? Normandy? Rome? Madrid?”
“No wear near those countries’ kiddo. Your stone cold” the hyena chuckled.
“We’ll be taking a bit of a longer trip than that” the lioness says.
“Where are we going then?” asked Leo, thoroughly curious.
“We’re going somewhere where we can spend Christmas on the beach;” said Angel, “One of the most exciting cities in the world… Firewall City, USA!”
“OH MY GOD!!!” Leo shouted, “I’ve never been to America before!” He rushed up to Angel and gave her a big hug. “Thank you!” he said, “You’re the best mum ever!”
“Aw… You’re welcome;” said Angel, “But we best get on our way to Heathrow; our plane leaves at fifteen hundred thirty hours. I’ve already packed some things in your backpack for the trip, but you might as well check it out to make sure you have everything you need. Just be quick, okay?”
“Sure thing” said Leo as he darted to his room.
Sure enough, he found his backpack waiting on his bed. He quickly opened it and looked inside. “Comics… books… toothbrush… 3DS… I-Pod… Headphones…” he mused, “I think I’ve got everything I could need; except…” He ran to his dresser and picked up a pair of sunglasses that Angel had bought him a few weeks prior. “I should have figured she’d be taking me somewhere sunny when she bought me these.” he said to himself. At that moment, a loud honk startled him.
“Come on down Leo!” called Racheal, “Our cab’s here!”
“Coming!” called Leo. He threw the sunglasses into his backpack, zipped it up, and slung it over his shoulders before heading back to join the lioness and the hyena in the front hall.
“Ready to go, then?” asked Angel.
“You bet!” said Leo. The trio grabbed their luggage and headed out to the cab; after which, they were on their way.
After the cab ride, Leo, Rachael and Angel arrived at Heathrow Airport. They checked their bags in, verified their passports, went through security, and made their way to the gates. Angel and Rachael made a quick stop at the cash machine to exchange their British pounds for American dollars, so they wouldn’t have to worry about the exchange rates while on holiday. With some time to kill before wheels up, they all bought some gum before they sat down at the window to enjoy it.
“This is my first time traveling out of Europe;” said Leo, “It’s really amazing.”
“I’ve never traveled to the States myself,” said Angel.
“I’ve only been to America once with my parents for a holiday, back when I was a cub. We went to New York” Rachael says.
“Woah really?” Leo asks in fascination. “How did you find that place?” After all the wolf cub enjoys researching foreign countries.
“It’s interesting. Plenty of shops and buildings to explore. Seeing the Empire State Building and the statue of liberty was worth it. Though, honestly, I found New York similar to London. I reckon that this firewall city, will be a lot more interesting.”
“I’m sure it will be Rachael. From what I’ve heard, Firewall City is one of the safest places in the world.”
“You wouldn’t know from the name;” said Leo, “Would you?”
“I suppose not;” said Angel, “But I’ve heard worse. In fact, there’s a small town down in Florida called Landmine Flats!”
“Why would anyone want to live in a place with landmines in the name?” asked Leo.
“I suppose it’s because they take pride in their home;” said Angel, “The same way you and I take pride in Watermane.”
“We sure do…” said Leo, “I guess we should visit someplace before we pass judgement on it.”
“Agreed;” said Angel.
After a minute, Leo said,
“You know… this is the first time I’m gonna be spending Christmas… without her.”
“I know…” said Angel, “I understand how you feel; and I want you to know that I’m always here for you.”
Angel put her arm around Leo, whilst Rachael gave him a sympathetic look, as if to say that she understood his troubled past.
“Thanks;” said Leo, “I’m really glad that we met each other and all, but there are times I wish that my old mother wasn’t a psychopath. Other times I wish that I could forget about her completely.”
“That’s perfectly normal, love” the feline says.
“As much as I try to forget it,” said Leo, “This scar of mine is a constant reminder.” He lifted his left sleeve, revealing a permanent scar where his shoulder met his arm. Angel looked at it, before saying,
“You know what that scar tells me?”
“What?” he asked.
“It tells me that you are a survivor;” said Angel, “That scar proves to the world that you were strong enough to endure terrible treatment until you were able to escape and find your own way. That’s something that no one can ever take away.”
“Thanks, Mum…” said Leo, feeling tears come to his eyes.
“Personally, I think that scar of yours makes you look badass” Rachael adds giving Leo a wink. Leo finds himself smiling slightly in response.
“Thanks aunt Rachael.”
“First call for boarding…!” a voice said over the P.A. system, “All passengers report to gate A45 for boarding on flight 4217; Destination: Firewall City, California, USA! Now boarding!”`
“That’s us Alright!” said Rachael, “Are you two ready for an adventure in the Sates?”
“I sure am!” said Leo. The trio grabbed their carry-on bags and got in line. In another few minutes, they were on the plane and in their seats. After the attendants had gone through the safety procedures, the plane was moved out onto the tarmac, and started taxiing to the runway. When the engines revved up for takeoff, Leo couldn’t help but feel a little tense. Luckily, Angel was there to hold his paw and soothe his worries. Soon, the plane had powered into the sky and was heading west by southwest; heading for the United States of America.
*****
At first, Leo was very excited to be flying in a big jet plane over the Atlantic Ocean; but as he was soon to discover, being confined to a single seat for over twelve hours was downright dull. By the time they were flying over Newfoundland, Leo was able to nod off and go to sleep. When he awoke, they were flying over the western United States. When Leo looked out his window, he was astonished at the desert spread out below him; he had read about deserts in books, but had never seen one from the sky. Soon, the deserts turned into mountains; it was, in Leo’s own word, brilliant. After another half hour of flying, the passengers were instructed to take their seats and fasten their seatbelts for landing. The big jet touched down on American tarmac and taxied in to the gate. The two canines and the feline fetched their bags and exited the plane into the airport.
“This is it, Leo!” said Angel, “We are officially in America!”
“Wow…” said Leo, “This is so exciting! Where are we staying?”
“I managed to book the three of us a room in the Grand Star hotel;” said Angel, “It’s got a five star restaurant, and is only a ten minute walk from the seaside!”
“That sounds great!” said Leo, “We should go and get our bags now.”
“Great idea;” said Rachael, “Don’t want to be stuck in a foreign city with just what we’re wearing, do we?” Angel, Rachael and Leo made their way to the baggage claim where they picked up their luggage. After that, they made their way to the arrivals platform, and hailed a cab.
“Afternoon!” said the rat who was driving, “Where are you folks headed today?”
“We’re going to the Grand Star Hotel;” the hyena asked politely, “Can you please take us there?”
“’Course I can!” said the rat, “Hey, you folks from Harvard or something?”
“England;” said Angel, “More specifically, Watermane.”
“Sounds good to me!” said the rat, “Just throw yer bags in the back and I’ll getcha there!” Angel complied and with assistance from her spotted companion, placed the luggage in the boot of the cab before she, Leo and Rachael got into the back seats.
“Um, hey man;” said Leo, “Is Firewall City really the safest city in America?”
“That’s what they say;” said the rat, “And I think they’re right. We’ve been ranked among the safest places on earth for nearly twenty years now. But that’s not all we’re famous for. We’ve got a heck of a railroad here in Firewall.”
“Really?” asked Leo.
“You betcha!” said the rat, “The Northern Pacific Railroad. She runs from San Diego near the Mexican border up to Seattle, Washington; and then eastward to Chicago, Illinois. Not only that, she’s got the only steam engine doing mainline service in the US; the mighty Corsair. If you’re lucky, you might see her go by from your hotel room.”
“Sounds amazing;” said Angel, “I hope we do see it.” The ride went on for a short while, and then they ended up getting stuck in traffic.
“Hey, Aunt Rachael…” said Leo, “I just realized, he doesn’t sound like us…”
“That’s because he speaks with a different accent;” the older canine explained “Americans may speak English, but they have a lot of different words for things. Hopefully we can learn as we go along.”
“There she is!” announced the rat. Leo looked out the window, expecting to see a hotel, but was only met with a smaller and much more official looking building.
“What is it?” he asked.
“That’s the reason we’re the safest city in America;” said the rat, “Headquarters of the Firewall City Police Department! Home to the most honorable, incorruptible, and indefatigable law enforcement officers in the world.” Leo found that he couldn’t say anything as he looked up at the building. Across the front of the building, engraved in bronze, were the words, ‘Honor, Dedication, Virtue.’
“Wow…” he breathed, “I’d sure like to meet some of the people who work there.”
“Who knows…?” said the rat, “Maybe you’ll get the chance; you might see one of them on the beat while you’re here.” Leo nodded, knowing that the chances of that were pretty slim. In just another few minutes, the cab arrived at the Grand Star Hotel. “Here you are, Folks!” said the rat, “That’ll be thirty one dollars and fifty nine cents. You folks enjoy your stay in the U. S. of A, okay?”
“We will!” Angel promised as she paid the rat.
“Next time the cabs on me sister” the hyena told the feline.
“Sure, if you say so.”
Once they had gotten their luggage out of the boot, they started up the stairs to the hotel. Outside, they were met with a statue of a beaver wearing a Colonel’s uniform and striking a defiant pose. Leo read the plaque,
“Colonel Eric Duncan; founder of Firewall City; Born: 1852, Died: 1904.”
“Interesting…” said Angel, “Perhaps we can learn more about him while we’re here.”
“Sure;” said Leo, “He might be an interesting person to write a school paper on.” The trio entered the lobby, which was very beautiful, and made their way to the front desk.
“Angel Savannah;” said Angel, “Checking in for our stay until December twenty-sixth.”
“Excellent;” said the toucan at the desk, “Let’s see some ID, please.” Angel presented her driver’s license, and the toucan punched some numbers into the computer before saying, “Okey-dokey! You’re all checked in!” He gave Angel three cards, and said, “These are your room keys; your room will be on the fifth floor, number five-fourteen. Breakfast is at eight-o-clock; feel free to order room service if you wish. Would you like a hand with those bags?”
“Just a luggage cart will do;” said Angel.
“And I’ll carry mine” Rachael said with a gleaming smile. “I reckon it’ll be a good workout session.”
“Excellent;” said the toucan, “The luggage carts can be found just around the corner. We hope you enjoy your stay at the Grand Star Hotel.”
“Thank you;” said Angel as she took the room keys, “Well, Leo, Rachael, shall we get settled in?”
“Oh yes!” said Leo, “I can’t wait to see what the room is like!”
When the family got up to their room, they were amazed at the décor from the moment they opened the door. The walls where a shiny cream colour and the fuzzy carpet was a light lilac. The furniture in the living room section looked untouched; almost as if it had just been brought brand new from a shop.
“Mum, aunt, can I check this place out?” Leo asked, his voice brimming with excitement.
“Go ahead, Honey;” the lioness replied, cheerfully “Me and Rachael will sort out our bags while you do.”
That was all Leo needed to hear; he rushed off to explore the suite. The wolf boy made several discoveries as he toured the room, from the neighboring king-sized bedrooms to the gigantic seventy inch HD TV. The bathroom was massive; almost as big as his mother’s bedroom back at home. It contained a large shower block decorated with emerald tiles, and a hot tub that looked as though it could fit five furs in it. After exiting the bathroom, Leo discovered a door which led him outside onto a large stone balcony, where he found an astonishing view of Firewall City. To the south, there were lots of tall buildings clustered together. Many of these buildings consisted of sky scrapers; presumably other hotels and apartments. To the east, Leo could see large brown mountains rising up from the earth; he was almost transfixed at their majesty. To the north, Leo could just make out a group of large houses (or more likely mansions) up on a high plateau. Leo instantly took a liking to this new-found location as he enjoyed the warm breeze on his fur. It also felt incredible to view the bypassing citizens and vehicles down below. Suddenly, there was a deep whistle from the north. It was only then that Leo looked slightly down and noticed that there was a railway cutting through the landscape and into the city.
“See anything you like?” asked a voice. Leo jumped, and realized that Angel had come out without him noticing her.
“Everything so far!” said Leo, “And I think I hear a train!” He and Angel concentrated on where the sound was coming from. Soon enough, Leo caught sight of a plume of smoke rising from the distance. It was a train alright; and at the front was the most beautiful steam locomotive Leo had ever seen. Even from a distance, he could see that she was a streamlined engine with a pretty yellow paint job. Behind her, her sleek coaches moved flawlessly with the locomotive as she pulled them towards the city.
“That must be the mighty Corsair our driver was talking about;” said Angel, “From what I’ve heard, she’s the fastest steam driven machine in the world.”
“Oh my… really?” Leo asked, hardly being able to believe his ears.
“Yes really;” said Angel, “I actually found an article on her in the brochures on the coffee table. In nineteen-seventy-seven, she broke the record for steam driven machines by setting a new record of one hundred and thirty miles per hour”
“Wow…” said Leo Just then, there was a rumble from his stomach. “Oh my… Sounds like I’m hungry.”
“I’m pretty hungry as well;” said Angel, “Now how about we order some dinner, eh?”
“Sure!” said Leo. He took one last look out at the city before he followed Angel inside.
*****
In the dining room area, the pair settled themselves down at a walnut dining table where Racheal was already seated and Angel handed Leo a menu.
“Order anything you want, Darling;” she said, “After all, we are on holiday.”
“I already know know what I want to order” the hyena says with a gleaming smile.
There was indeed a lot to choose from, and for a time, Leo couldn’t make up his mind. In the end Angel orders herself some fish and chips. Lions can never get enough fish. Leo settled for a margarita pizza with side orders of salad. In contrast Rachael fancies something spicy, so, she orders herself a chicken tika curry. Extra spicy.
As for drinks, Leo chose orange juice whilst Angel and Rachael chose some bottles of sparkling water. Nether one of them feel like drinking alcohol. They can pretty much live with-out it. Angel found ordering the food was very easy as all it required was a phone call down to the kitchen. There was a half an hour wait for the food to arrive, since it was being freshly made, but Leo, Angel or Rachael didn’t really mind; the wait would whet their appetite. In good order, the food was brought up to them by a plump panda woman on a sliver dinning trolley.
“Here you are;” she said, cheerfully, “One margarita pizza, a chicken tika, fish and chips and your sides.” The panda skillfully placed the pizza and the fish in the center of the table, set the plate of curry, and the salad off to the side, and set the drinks of choice at either end of the table. “I do hope you folks enjoy your meal.” she said.
“We sure will;” said Angel, “Thank you for your service.” She politely handed the panda a five dollar note.
“Why thank you.” the panda beamed before exiting the suite.
“Chow down, Leo;” said Angel, “That pizza looks delicious; and you ought to get your strength up.” Leo did not wait to be asked twice as he instantly cut himself a large slice of pizza covered with melted cheese and olives before taking a bite.
“mmmh mmmh!” the young wolf exclaimed “By far, this is one of the nicest pizzas I’ve ever had in my life.”
“I’m glad you like it;” said Angel before she tucks into her meal. “How’s your curry Rachael.”
“Ten out of ten. Officially one of the nicest curries I’ve eaten in my life”
“Ah that’s good. I might have to order one next time myself.”
Once the three furs had finished their meal, they proceeded to place the empty plates and cutlery onto the severing trolley. “Now that we’ve eaten;” said Angel, “How about we watch some TV, eh?”
“You just read my mind, Mum.” the young wolf replied with a grin. The family headed into the living room section and settled down on a comfy brown leather sofa. “What do you want to watch, Mother?” Leo asked, “Maybe you can catch Strictly Come Dancing?”
The young wolf knew all too well, his adopted mother enjoyed that show.
“Thanks for the offer, Sweetie,” said Angel, “But I’ll watch it on the I-player later. Let’s see if there’s a good a film on.”
“I’m honestly not to fussed what we watch. Though knowing your taste in films Leo, I’m sure whatever you choose will be good” the hyena tells him.
Leo picked up the remote and began to flick through channels.
“Feed me! Feed me, Seymour. Feed me all night long!!!” a giant Venus fly trap sang from the TV.
“Alright!” Leo exclaimed, “I love this movie!”
“So do I;” said Angel, “As a cub, I saw it quite a few times with my family. Remember Rachael, we both saw the stage play version of this film at the theaters in London. We went with my family.”
“Oh, I remember. Good day that was.”
So Angel, Rachael and Leo settled in to watch the movie. When the film was over, Leo felt quite sleepy; likely due to the laborious plane journey and the large meal. Despite that it wasn’t quite 10 yet, Leo felt like he’d drop off at any moment. Angel instantly noticed his tiredness. “I think we’d best rest up, Leo;” said Angel as she gave him a friendly nudge, “We’ve got a big day ahead of us tomorrow.”
“Your right there, Mum” Leo replied, stifling a yawn as he got off from the sofa, “I’m dog tired. Uh… no pun intended.” Angel gave a small laugh before saying,
“Now Leo, the bedroom you’ll be sleeping in is the one that has your bags in it. I’ve already laid your PJs out on the bed.”
“Thanks, Mum”
Leo’s gives his auntie figure a quick hug good night before he made his way to the bathroom. Once there, he rinsed his mouth out with mouth wash (since he felt too tired to brush his teeth) and washed his hands and face. After he’d been to the toilet, Leo made his way into his bedroom. Inside, Leo discarded his school uniform and slipped on his pajama bottoms before clambering into bed. The wolf pup let out a small gasp of pleasure as he absorbed the bed’s softness and warmth.
“You ready for bed, Honey?” he heard Angel call from the living room, “Would you like me to tuck you in?”
“Come on in!” Leo called back before he let out a yawn. Angel entered the room before approaching his bedside and pulling the covers over him like a loving mother would.
“Thank you for this;” said Leo, “And for booking this holiday. So far, I’ve had a great time.”
“I’m glad you’ve been enjoying yourself, Hun;” Angel said with a smile. “Just remember that we have a whole week ahead of us. Sleep well, my love.” With that Angel leaned forward and kissed Leo on his forehead, which made the young wolf feel warm and fuzzy inside. Just before Angel left the room, she flicked off the light, filling the room with an empty, calming darkness. Leo buried himself underneath the cover’s warmness before he fell asleep………
********
Leo slowly awakens. His bed now feels lumpy and uncomfortable.
He rubs the sleep out of his eye’s, as he clambers out of the bed. It’s then when he realises that he’s no longer in his hotel room. The dull room he’s now in, has dark blue painted plaster walls and the dirty floorboards are dark wooden brown. His new environment seems eerily familiar to him, though he can’t quite work out where he is.
Then the bedroom door swings open, and a shadowy figure enters the room. Her mere appearance makes Leo gasp in fright. Its tall, skinny raven furred she-wolf, clad in a dark grey dress. Her long black head fur is untidy and matted, and she smells of cigarette smoke.
Her red eyes are narrowed, and her teeth are bared into a snarl. In her left paw she carries a leather belt, with a metal buckle at the end of it.
Her stern gaze falls upon Leo, before she then points a paw, at the wall.
“Get against the wall! Now!” the canine growls in an icy voice. “It’s the only way you’ll learn! Your father never learned…..”
Leo wants run, but he finds himself unable to move, as though a spell has been cast upon him. It almost as if he is watching a horrific event unfold on TV and he is unable to intervene.
“I said get against the wall! Now, damn it!”
The female wolf is becoming agitated now, and she was breathing heavily in an unsettling manner.
“I’m going to count to three. You have three seconds to stand against that wall and take your punishment. Or else!”
After an eerie silent the wolf says firmly “I’ll start counting then. One….. Two….. THREE!!!” the wolf suddenly screeches and lunges herself towards Leo.
“Aaaah!!” the cub cried out in as the metal belt buckle smashed in his left shoulder blade……
*********
“No!” Leo yelped as he jolted awake.
He found himself, back in his hotel room. It had just been a nightmare, about his old life, living with his abusive mother Kate. It hadn’t been the first time Leo, had a horrific dream about his distressing past life. Much worse things had happened in these previous nightmares. Very disturbing things. Other times her psychotic boyfriend Charlie had been involved in these nightmares.
Leo is now shaking with fear and dripping with sweat. Tears blurred his vision. Suddenly Leo doesn’t feel safe alone in his hotel room. He begins to feel that he’s being watched by someone, or something will spring out from that large dresser in the room.
He slides out of bed and makes his way to Angel and Rachael's room. He slowly opens the door and peers in, to see Angel and Rachael are sound asleep in both of their beds.
As Leo approaches Angel’s bedside, she awakens, almost as if she sensed her cub nearby.
“Are you okay?” the feline asks him in cornered tone of voice.
“No not really mum. *Sniff, Sniff* I had a bad dream……”
By the phrase of “bad dream” Angel instantly understood, what Leo meant and his situation that had just occurred. It hadn’t been the first time that Leo had come to her, during the night, disturbed by a nightmare about his former abusive family.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that honey. I really am” The feline says in a sympatric voice tone.
“Come into bed with me and cuddle up. There you’ll be safe with me.”
Leonardo didn’t wait to be asked twice as he clambered onto the mattress and under the blankets into the feline’s strong protective arms.
“Thanks mama” the little wolf whispered to her.
“I just didn’t feel safe all alone in my room. I felt like…”
“Hey, its okay hun. Try not to worry about anything okay. Try and get some shut eye.”
Minutes later Leo lets out a cute little yawn and snuggles his head into Angel’s furry shoulder, before he remembers nothing, having drifted into a peaceful slumber. However, the last thing he recalls is being safe in his mother’s arms and loved by the feline.
“Hey Angel? Is Leo alright” the hyena asks quietly in concerned voice.
“He’s fine Rachael. Just trouble sleeping.”
“Well, I sure hope he hasn’t had any bad dreams about that awful she-wolf again. Honestly, how on earth could anyone treat him that way?”
“Well unfortunately, Kate wasn’t right in the head. Neither was her boyfriend. However, let’s not focus on them and enjoy our holiday. We’ll probably go out tomorrow, so best get back to sleep.”
Soon the two adults resume to their much-needed sleep, especially after a long plane journey…….
