Shifted

3 Weeks Prior

Today was the day I had been looking forward to and dreading at the same time. I had made the decision to go to Alaska and we began preparing to leave. We were all packed and headed to Alaska even though it was a week later than mom had wanted to leave. We were hoping that the weather would be on our side as we traveled and that the snow would hold off long enough for us to make it. I had no idea what to expect, but my mom seemed excited and my dad was less than thrilled. He kept shooting me reassuring looks but I could tell that deep down he was dreading every moment of this.

The moving vans had come the week before and we left only the basic necessities to get by on before it was time for us to leave. We packed what little we had left into our SUV and locked the house. My parents decided to rent it while we were gone in case we decided to come back. Sophie’s family was going to help take care of the house while we were gone, so we didn’t have to worry about it. What I did have to worry about was our cover story. I couldn’t just tell my friends that I could possibly be a wolf and so we had to move away into the woods of Alaska. Instead, I told them that my dad had received a grant for his new research and we were moving to Alaska for a bit.

The trip was long and took several days for us to reach our destination. Mom grew more and more excited and I couldn’t help but smile, seeing how happy she was. It wasn’t that she ever seemed unhappy, but right now, watching her eyes light up and excitement in her voice, I can’t help but wonder how much she must have missed her family. I really hope that they are happy to see her, heck us, when we arrive.

On the last day of our trip, I was excited about heading to our new home. I think we were all ready to be out of the car and sleep in our own beds. As we traveled further north, the scenery changed. Long winding roads that seemed to cut into the earth as we drove. The sides of the roads are surrounded by beautiful forests with their dark green trees. This place was beautiful and I couldn't wait to explore it. At some point, I fell asleep and I dreamed of pine trees, snow, and soft white fur. I felt happy and at peace as I laid on the ground and watched the snowflakes fall all around me. I subconsciously felt the car turn off and I opened my eyes. Dad stared back at me and said, “we're here.”