Patty Liu - Silent Reflections

Wolf prowled around their small room at the inn. He was restless and agitated. He stopped at the window and stared up at the moon. His eyes glowed bright from the moonlight.

“Huff puff, I’ve got to go outside and see the moon. Virginia, can I please go outside? I promise I won't eat any sheep or chickens, or cows, or pigs, or horses, or goats, or geese, or any shepherdesses of course.” He scratched at his forehead and panted wildly.

“All right Wolf. The pill should keep you under control. But be back soon,” Virginia gently ordered.

“Of course, of course,” Wolf panted his way out the door. But he suddenly stopped and turned back to the room. “Melody. Would you like to come with me to look at the moon? A wolf should never look at the moon alone.” Wolf announced.

Virginia raised an eyebrow and looked over at Melody. Melody declined the offer and said that she was pretty sleepy. So Wolf bounded out the door and into the night. A few minutes later, both Virginia and Melody heard him howl at the bright full moon hanging low in the sky.

What in the world was that all about? Virginia thought. Why did Wolf ask Melody to go see the moon with him? He normally goes alone. And he didn't even bother asking me. Instead he asked Melody. How weird. It must be that full-moon thing. Virginia pushed the thought out of her head and she turned to Melody.

“Melody? Can you hand me my cup of cider by that shelf?”

Melody quickly got up from her cot and got Virginia her hot cider. Virginia gulped it down quickly and immediately yawned.

“Mmmm... all of a sudden I'm so tired. Tell Wolf good night for me when he gets in. I'm going to bed.” Virginia laid down on the cot she was going to share with Wolf and immediately conked out into a deep sleep. Melody quickly jumped up from her bed.

“Virginia? Virginia? Are you awake?” she whispered. “Virginia!?” she called out again, but louder this time. She shook the cot gently. Virginia just laid still, snoring quietly. Melody shook the bed harder. “Wake up, Virginia!” she yelled. Nothing. She's out cold, Melody thought. Good. And she quickly hauled Virginia out of her bed.