It was a bitterly cold winter night. The sky was blue and black. She was running here and there in that extremely cold weather. The traffic on the road was zipping in its efforts to reach home, as quickly as possible. The broad beams of headlights shone powerfully, through the slips of mist lurking at the edges, that seemed quite mystified itself, whom to hang out with… the trees in the woods or the silky ribbon of a road.
There was a culvert ahead, with thick bushes growing close by. She headed towards it. The sudden loud honks seemed like angry outbursts as wheels squealed, trying to stop their speeding right in mid tracks!
It seemed quite horrible. And those pumping of fists, waving of arms, scowling grimaces on the faces… would have wreaked havoc on any witness, but thankfully she was oblivious to all such drama.
She ran as fast as she could and peered over the edge. The gentle slope disappeared in misty darkness. Perfect for her needs… to hide from prying eyes.
***
It was a big house. Tall pillars on either side of the entrance gave it quite a regal bearing. “Breakfast on the table,” hollered Mom. The kids came stomping down the stairs as the aroma of the family Sunday breakfast was, well… magnetic! It drew them like iron filings to a Super magnet. But who beat them all was Sir Newton! The pied Great Dane!
Sir Newton! He had been knighted by the queen of the family… Mom, in honour of its regal bearing and gentle attitude. The small puppy, who could fit in snugly in the basket in the kids room, soon outgrew it too claim the carpet in the drawing room. The glistening coat in shades of black and grey with streaks of white emerging and merging with a distinct star on his forehead, did enhance his appearance.
Sir Newton was a foodie though. He loved to plough through his own meal and help himself to aromatic human fare; along with any juicy tit bits, that deigned to attract his super sensitive olfactory nerves. Only a stern command from Mom- the queen could restrain him, somewhat.
The dining room resounded with clinking of cutlery, squeals of laughter as the children shared their latest jokes over satisfying grunts of appreciation of the yummylicious food. “Mom, you are the greatest Chef in the world,” said Bobby between mouthfuls of pancakes dunked in maple syrup.“ I second that, Mommy,” Harry agreed, as he helped himself to another round of sizzling sausages and grilled tomatoes, the juices running down his chin, before he graciously dabbed it with his napkin.
“Surprise!” said Dad as he stepped in from the garage.
Everyone turned to look at him. “Hurry up and get into the car, we are going for a trek to Great Falls! Your favourite place.”
Shrieks of “Yayyy”, “Awesome”, “Fantastic” went up around the room.
***
She went scampering back. Nothing could daunt her.
Lashing rain!
Swooshing trees!
Ripping wind!
Numbing darkness, punctuated with blinding headlights!
She had only one goal…
She reached the abandoned home, where her children lay drenched, despondent, and disheveled. Picking one up, delicately she barged out inn the cold and incessant rainfall. No time to worry about anything, least of all about how long she had gone without food. Slowly she loped along that treacherous route. Till she reached the culvert. She got down on her haunches, edging forward as slow as a snail. When she hit rock bottom she scampered under the arch, what a haven! It was dry and piled with fallen leaves! Perfect! Resting the little one on this windfall, she crooned to him as she dashed back to get the other one.
***
The hike up the old trail was perfect for the family. Dad, mom, Bobby, and Harry loved the outdoors. And Sir Newton was always thrilled being with the family, chasing down scents, squirrels, birds and what not. Though the sun had suddenly vanished behind grey clouds looming up, it couldn’t deter the spirits of the family members. But they had to wind up quickly. They enjoyed looking at the mesmerising view from the ancient boulders, clicking pics and exchanging pleasantries with fellow hikers.
Till the first fat raindrop landed on them… plop! Soon another, then the next and the next and so on… The youngsters squealed, as did mom, Dad didn’t quite like getting doused in cold water. So, it was a quick rush back to the car. And they soon headed back home.
***
Sir Newton’s ears pricked up. He started whining. Mom thought he needed to be let out. They stopped the car and Sir Newton bounded away in the rain, in the darkness generously doused with soft, silky slips of mist. Mom’s loud yells of “Sir Newton” were gently muffled by the mist and swallowed up by the thrashing trees. Suddenly she felt the cold muzzle of the Great Dane. Reassured, she turned to get into the car and that’s when she spotted her, carrying her baby. Nonplussed she stared, while Newton bounded towards it. “Oh no!” Mom muttered. She turned to the boot of the car and dug into the leftovers from their picnic basket. Grabbing the sandwich bag, she loped off.
“Come, Newton! Here baby… take!” She tried to calm her racing heart.
That worked, Newton was back in a trice. Gently he took the sandwich… a ham sandwich, which disappeared in his huge muzzle somewhere. Relieved Mom turned back to the car, but Sir Newton had run back in the rain once more. She too turned and followed. As she reached the culvert, her eyes now used to the light from passing vehicles could barely make out what was happening. Gently calling out to Newton she slowly made her way down the sides.
By this time Dad joined her with his powerful flashlight in hand. They saw Newton pop his head from under then disappear into the tunnel again. He was beckoning them, what a strange gesture! Yet they could do nothing but follow. They held each other’s hand not knowing what to expect, bowing their heads to enter.
And there in the beam of the powerful flashlight was the most enigmatic scene ever witnessed. She sat amidst her children gently munching a sandwich, while Sir Newton stood by wagging his tail nineteen to the dozen. On a closer look the children looked the same shades of black and grey streaked with white! And the look of love that was exchanged left no doubt about who she was…. Lady Newton of course!
