The Dusk Howler
Chapter 1 - But I Saw Them
Chapter 2 - An Adventure Begins
Written by Karen Backway
Read by Rachel Anderice
“But I saw them,” said Emmie, annoyed. “Why would I make that up? I saw two puppers the same size as us, maybe a bit bigger trotting along the ridge.”
“Hey fellas, Emmie is making up stories again,” teased Eli.
“Really Emmie?” asked Eric. “You saw two other puppers walking along the ridge. That would be fantastic!”
“Emmie was up on the ridge fellas, and now she is making up stories that two of us were up there too,” accused Eli.
“I didn’t say that,” argued Emmie, defending herself.
“Yes you did. You said you saw two puppers trotting along the ridge,” argued Eli. “Why are you trying to get us into trouble?”
“I'm not. Why would I want any of us to get into trouble, Eli?” asked Emmie.
“You think you are the smartest and most imaginative of us all,” said Eli.
“Oh Eli stop, please,” interrupted Ella, coming to Emmie’s defense. “Emmie can tell fantastic stories, and you know it.”
“Oh the girly girls are sticking together again,” said Eli.
“What’s got into you today Eli?” asked Eric, the peacemaker amongst the puppers.
“Nothing,” Eli replied. “I’m just tired of Emmie getting all the attention.”
“I don’t get all of the attention,” defended Emmie.
Just then a Spunky ‘warning’ howl sounded.
“It’s time to go, it’s almost dusk,” said Ella. “We don’t want to get into trouble.”
As the puppers trotted home, Emmie was holding back tears chatting with Ella.
“Why is he being so mean?” asked Emmie, starting to cry. “I’m not a liar.”
“Oh Emmie, he's just jealous,” said Ella. “You have a marvelous imagination. Remember how far Everet boinged the other day when he ended up in the muddy bit of the creek? Then we all boinged over and covered ourselves with camouflage just like Molly and Moon on their adventure. That was your idea. Don’t let Eli tease you.”
“But I’m not making it up, I saw them. I thought you would believe me,” Emmie said disappointed. “How do we know there are not more families stranded in The Champlain Hills and Ridges, just like we were?”
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The next morning-up, Molly was practicing her stalk and pounce skills and Abby had her scrolls and a new color pencil near the clearing by the creek.
“Eric found a coloured magic pencil that colors whatever colour you want. He couldn’t use it himself because this little pencil disappears into his big beautiful paws, so he gave it to me,” explained Abby.
“How very kind and thoughtful,” said Molly.
“Good morning-up Abby, Molly,” said Emmie. “Molly, will you teach me how to stalk and pounce?”
“Yes, if you’d like,” said Molly. “That would be fun.”
“Oh can I learn too please?” asked Ella. “Please? Us girls need to stick together.”
“Oh of course, Ella. I didn’t think you would be interested,” explained Emmie.
“Pouncing is my most favorite thing!” Ella said, just delighted. “Will you join us Abby?”
“Oh thanks, but no,” answered Abby. “I’m experimenting with a new magic pencil.”
“Just the three of us then,” said Emmie. “It'll be our secret.”
