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When hunter first learned about wolves, he absolutely adored them. He drew pictures of them, he studied about them, he read books and looked at pictures and watched videos about them. He kinda wondered what it was like to be one. Luz told him that they were endangered. At first, Hunter didn’t understand what that meant, but then he asked gus about it and learned a sad truth. Wolves were near extinction. Hunter was heartbroken to hear that. To hear the cruelty of humans trying to kill wolves off. He wanted to help keep wolves alive. He wanted to see one in real life. That was one of his dreams. Hunter thought it was impossible, considering they hide when people are around… and there's not many left. But that's when Luz mentioned something that piqued Hunter’s interest.
Hunter: *talking about pack hierarchy with gus* yeah.. They are very complex creatures. *sighs* I just wish I could see one in real life.. That would be so awesome!
Gus: Yeah.. Too bad they’re rare mythical creatures..
Luz was walking in, overhearing their conversation.
Luz: What's a rare mythical creature?
Hunter: wolves
Luz stares at him for a second, before bursting into laughter. Hunter was confused.
Luz: Hunter, wolves aren’t mythical creatures! Hahaha
Both Gus and Hunter stare at each other in disbelief.
Gus: So you're saying they aren’t rare?
Luz: Well, they are endangered. But that doesn’t make them a rare animal. They’re actually pretty common. You can go to see some at a wolf reserve!
Hunter perked up when he heard ‘wolf reserve’.
Hunter: What's a…wolf reserve?
Luz: oh it's just a place where you go to see wolves in a rehabilitation area. Reserves are used to regrow the wolf population so they won’t be endangered anymore.
Hunter gasped and excitement rose in his chest.
Hunter: There's a place you can go to see ACTUAL WOLVES?? UP CLOSE???
Luz: uuh yea-
Hunter: WE MUST GO
Luz: well um…
Hunter looked at Luz with pleading eyes. Luz sighed and said she would ask her mom.
…
After luz had brought up hunter wanting to visit a wolf reserve to her mom, her mom thought about it for a little bit, before saying “oooh ok. I know he loves wolves. It’ll be a fun trip for all of us”
Luz told Hunter the good news and he lit up. He was so very excited to finally fulfill a dream he had previously thought was impossible to achieve.
It took a few days to reserve a spot for the tour, but they managed to do it. Once it was finally the day, Hunter was ecstatic.
They all arrived at the entrance, where there was a gift shop with many wonderful things and a glass box showing crystals that were found in the area.
Everyone was there. Luz, amity, willow, gus, camila, and of course, hunter.
Willow: ohh i can’t wait to see their fuzzy faces!
Amity: me neither!
Hunter looked around expectantly, but soon became disappointed.
Hunter: so… where are the wolves? I thought we came here to see them, but I don't see them anywhere.
Camila: Don't worry hunter, we will see them. For now, we have to wait until the bus gets here.
Hunter: the bus?
Camila: Well yes. This is just the entrance, the wolves are being held deeper in the mountain range. I signed us up to be picked up by a bus that will take us to the wolves. We are early though so it's best to just wait for a little bit and maybe check out that gift shop. I have a feeling you're gonna like what's in there.
Hunter: hmm.. Ok! I'll check it out.
Upon entering the gift shop, everyone was hit with the sight of many many beautiful decorations and merchandise. Wooden carvings of animals, shirts, hats, crystals, charms, toys, stuffies. Hunter felt like he was dreaming.
After they all picked out what they wanted, they went to pay for it at the counter.
Register lady: that’ll be $11.99.
Hunter had gotten a little wolf carving and a strange rock charm with a paw print on it. The register lady said it was a charm of good luck and family bonds. Hunter put the rock in his pocket.
Just then, they all heard a bus horn go off and the sound of bus doors opening.
Camila: They're here!
Hunter looked outside. He saw a huge tour bus and people boarding. This was it. His chance to see his favorite animal!
They all walked outside to the bus with Hunter being in front of them.
…
After they boarded, and the bus started making its way deeper into the mountain range, Hunter looked out the window. He saw many trees pass his view. The woods were deep. He glanced up to see birds and caught a glimpse of a red cardinal. “Flapjack…?” thought hunter. But no. It wasn’t flapjack. Hunter looked down in disappointment. He missed flapjack.
After some time, they arrived at the reserve. Hunter hurried off and ran over to the fence, careful not to get too close. He looked around. He saw nothing. He opened his mouth to protest but suddenly… out in the distance. He saw a figure. A big looking dog of some sort. No this was no dog. It silently started walking over, closer to where hunter was.
Luz: is that…?
It was. A large four legged creature came out of the trees and stared at them.
Hunter: It's… It's a wolf!
It lowered its head and sniffed the air. Its big bushy tail hung loosely behind it, its ears flat against its head at first, then slowly perks up.
Hunter stared in awe. Granted, it was smaller than he thought it would be, but it still looked mighty.
???: That's Sheela.
Hunter turned around and saw an older man standing behind him.
Will: I'm sorry I should introduce myself. My names will. I'm the caretaker of these wolves. That one right there, her name's Sheela. She usually keeps her distance from visitors but she seems to have taken a liking to you. He chuckled.
Hunter: Wait, you take care of them? Meaning… you get to see them and interact with them everyday??
Will: yep! The presentations about to start so I gotta go. Hope i see you there. It's definitely worth watching.
Hunter watched will go over to where the presentation would be held. He decided to follow him, so did everyone else.
The presentation was very informational. Will talked about how the wolves have to have much to eat and how they could take in an abandoned pup. There were a lot of facts shared.
It was nearing towards the end of the presentation when will stated to listen carefully.
Out in the distance, hunter heard someone yell out names and one by one, a beautiful harmony of howls rose from everywhere.
It was like nothing hunter has ever heard before. Loud longing howls stretched across the mountain range. Dying, then picking up again.
At last, the howls settled down and will thanked everyone for coming. The crowd soon dispersed.
…
After Hunter and the others returned home and got ready for bed, Hunter lay in his bed. He recalled all that had happened and absentmindedly smiled. “I had the best day ever” he thought.
And soon he fell asleep.