"I'm going to miss being out there with you all tonight," Emily said, "But it's easier this way."
"It's just for tonight and tomorrow," Krista said, "You'll be back running with us before you know it."
"I guess I'll read a book or something," Emily said, "And hope it's not too boring around here."
"I could stay with you," Michelle said, "And keep you company."
"I can't deny you the freedom of nature. You go on. Have a good time out there."
"I'll come by and check up on you," Michelle promised.
When the moon rose the three girls began their transformation, and Emily marvelled at the sight. Is that how I look? she wondered as their friends changed into wolves. Soon they were out the door, howling into the night.
"And so begins the long night," Emily said to herself.
Emily made the most of it. She could feel the call of the moon, but the bracelet kept her grounded. She watched TV, read a book, and made popcorn. Every now and then she heard her friends howling in the forest, but she just put the sounds out of her mind and went up to bed.
The second night was much like the first. Emily again clasped the bracelet around her ankle before moonrise and was left alone again as her friends tore off into the darkness. TV didn't interest Emily tonight, and her book seemed boring. She found herself staring out the window and listening to the sounds of the howls.
Emily hung up the phone. "OK, it's all set," she said, "Tonight the four wolves run together!"
About a half hour before moonrise the girls gathered in the Living Room, but tonight Emily decided to return the bracelet to the jewelry box she had bought for it. She wouldn't be needing its protection tonight.
Tue Jul 9 14:10:29 2002