The Departure
The trio dashed across the landscape, towards their future. Maddy's pace slowed as she put her head down, breathing hard. Suddenly, Maddy threw her head back and let out a howl. Emma and Dan joined with their daughter in her last goodbye. However, Maddy was howling for reasons all her own. The sound that escaped from her throat expressed all her anguish, her sadness, and her fear. With tears in her eyes, even in wolf form, Maddy and her parents resumed their journey. Each stride took her further and further away. Away from Stoneybridge. Away from Shannon. Away from Tom. Away from… Rhydian.