Welcome Home
By RangerLou
The Learjet landed at the private airstrip late that afternoon, three
Hours after saying their good byes to family and friends. The three
Couples were tired from the long trip and were looking forward to their
Respective honeymoons in familiar surroundings. The trip had been un-
Eventful, with clear skies all the way.
Buckshot undid the cabin door and escorted his passengers to the
Chevy Suburban. It was then that Daria noticed that Brownie, who had
Accompanied them on this trip, ignored the vehicle and went her own way.
Daria turned and looked at her husband Cody. They both knew that
Grandpa Lou was right to send her along with the newlyweds. The trip out
Here in the truck wouldn't have been good for the now ageing friend she had
Met that Easter week 10 years ago. With purpose, Brownie walked past the
House, pausing only a moment to catch the familiar scent of her early home.
She pressed on, past the stable and stockade walking the trail to the top of
The hill to the lone Maple tree standing majestic as a guardian to all around.
All the while, Daria and Cody followed her, not saying a word, but each
Thinking the same thing. Each repressed their emotions and silently followed
As their canine friend neared the end of her journey.
Upon reaching the tree, Brownie stood and seemed to look off
Into the distance through eyes now cloudy with age. Slowly, she laid
Down on familiar ground, occasionally sniffing at the breezes that were
So common to this spot. Daria sat next to her and began to stroke
Brownies gray flecked fur. Cody sat on the other side of their companion
And watched as his bride did her best to hold back the tears. He knew
This day would come and he thought he was prepared. He felt a tear run
Down his cheek and made no effort to wipe it away. Both of them thought
About how Brownie had acted as a 'furry chaperone' and kept getting
Underfoot whenever they got too close. They each thought about how
She had taken an instant liking to Daria and would follow her every
Place she went. Going so far as to sleep in the guest room set up for
Darias' visits to Ravenscroft after the girls left for home. But when they
Came back to visit, Brownie became a whirlwind of furry excitement.
As the husband and wife looked at each other, Brownie rested
Her head in Darias lap, gave a contented sigh, and closed her eyes.
Darias tears flowed freely now.
"Welcome home."