Hideout
"Where in the world would a cave be?" I whispered to myself, wandering, every step reminding me of my poor fortune.
I glimpsed at every nook and cranny, understanding that either the caves would be inhabited by brutish vultures or a virulent malady or bacteria. I dashed to a bush and bent down. Through the crevices, I noticed a cave with no creatures, no bacteria or fungus blanketing the interior. I rushed to it and grinned, a grate was installed already, and a few amounts of lumber were left, enough to forge a few days' worths of fire. As I stepped inside, darting my head around, I still felt slightly insecure about how flawless this area was.
As I calmed down, I sat on the floor next to the grate. The rain began; it gushed like somebody was lowering pails of water and allowing it to stream out. I shivered as the chilly and frigid breeze wafted. I didn't have a coat with me, simply a flimsy white gown, a satchel and a matching headband.
It was when I heard yapping and growling.
I got up from my cosy spot and listened to the sound. It was coming from outdoors, though it was near the cave. As I hastened outside, quivering as I rushed through the downpour to the back outdoor part of the cave. It was gloomy, and my vision was scarcely blurry as the rain flowed. I heard growling and went near it; I shrieked and jerked as a little critter with droopy ears leapt towards me.
"A puppy? How are you here?" I questioned the puppy as if he would reply. He gaped at me, and I stared into his azure eyes. I picked him up, his shaggy coat damp, and dirty morsels clung to his fur. As we trod back to the cave, he barked at me constantly. I supposed that the indigent pup was famished. I went inside and unlocked my satchel. Inside were a few aged berries I had gathered throughout my journey to find a cave. One blueberry was rancid, so I busted it with my foot and provided a few of the good ones for my puppy. He ate it, thankfully, and whined as he accidentally split one with his paw.
I noticed that my puppy had something odd tied to his cream-coloured collar. It was a note folded. I opened it and read:
Dear Person,
My name's Nero Okeanos. I lost my dog, Husky, a few months ago and spoke to the Tengoku officers; as I waited two months for them to try to find him, the officers came knocking at my door saying that Husky was long-gone. I was extremely upset, and my mind could only focus on my dog. I never got a new dog. It would remind me of painful memories of Husky. I ask you one single thing, if you find a fluffy dog with blue eyes, he is a Husky. That's my Husky. Please take care of him properly. He is loving and caring and deserves a lot of love. I appreciate it and would always be happy that someone out there has my Husky and is taking care of him properly. If you do find me, please give him back, but if you cannot find me, take care of him.
Thank you, and a lot of love to Husky,
Nero Okeanos.
I was stunned; such a precious and affectionate dog was stranded away from his owner. Nero seemed like she valued a Husky a lot, poor Husky...
As I nibbled on my berries, I clutched my puppy and moved to the back of the cave. It was shady and murky there, but luckily it wouldn't allow any varmints who gallop past to glimpse at us.
I relaxed and put my head on the floor. I trembled as it was extremely cold and filthy with soil. My puppy sensed I was chilly and trotted towards me; Husky sat beside me and growled cheerily.
That was the first night beneath a placid and quiet sanctuary, listening to the whistling breeze and the raindrops hitting the ground.