The next day, after breakfast, Buck and I head out into the forest. Before leaving, I make sure that my kits will stay in the tree. After they agree to stay put, we climb down the tree. Buck leads the way into the forest.
We make our way to a clear river nearby. I look into the water, mesmerized by beauty. I smile. Buck turns to me. "Ya promised ta tell me wot 'appened an' why ya all came down 'ere," Buck begins.
I flinch. "Well, a promise is a promise. I'll tell you everything about my past starting with my childhood. My parents' names were Katherine and Jacob. They cared about my older sister, Natalie, and I a great deal. Natalie and I were always close. Despite me being younger. When the sabers killed our parents, it was Natalie who saved me. After that, she took on a lot of responsibility. She made sure that I was warm, fed, and safe. As the years rolled by, I got older. I was better able to care for myself. That's when I met him…" I pause.
"Who? Ya mean yer former mate?" Buck asks.
"Yes. His name is Neon. When I first met him, he was really sweet and loving. I fell in love. About six months after we started dating, we became mates. That's when things changed…" I trail off, hesitant to continue.
"Wot 'appened?" Buck asks.
"He…well…he started to abuse me both physically and emotionally…Nearly every day, he would beat me. At first, I thought that he would change. I guess I was too trusting. The only one that I told of the abuse was Natalie. She tried to get me to leave him, but I was confused. I didn't know what to do. Anyway, when Rita and Lucas were born, I did my best to keep the abuse from them. I hid the bruises well and made sure that they couldn't witness the beatings. I succeeded, for the most part. On the occasions that my kits saw the bruises, I'd lie about how I got them. It was better that they didn't know. A few months before I came down here, I gave birth to Callie," I continue.
"Wot 'appened ta cause ya ta come down 'ere?" Buck asks.
"Well, just before I came down here, Neon started beating me again. This time, my kits were there to witness it. Rita yelled at Neon to stop. Neon went over to her and slapped her across the face. I was shocked and angry. Sure, I could take the pain, but Rita is my kit! I couldn't let him hurt her! The sound of my kit crying caused something to snap within me. I grabbed a wooden staff and knocked Neon unconscious with it. I then grabbed my kits and ran off. We went over to Natalie's place first. I explained everything to her. She gave us a sack of food and pointed us in the right direction. That's how we found the cave that led down here," I finish explaining.
Buck's eye is wide with surprise. "Oh…I see…'m sorry 'bout tha'…" Buck trails off. His ears are pressed down against his head. I can see the sorrow in his eye.
I look up at Buck. There are tears in my eyes. However, I find it in me to smile. "Thanks, Buck. At least, we're free from him…" I sigh. I blink my eyes to try to rid myself of the forming tears.
Buck puts his paw on my back. "Sophie, ya don' 'ave ta be strong all th' time. Ya c'n le' go an' cry. Go ahead," Buck smiles at me.
"No! I do have to be strong…for my kits…" I argue. I can still feel the tears. I bite my lip to try to hold them back. I look away.
Buck places his paw under my chin and turns my head to face him. "I's alright. Jus' cry. You'll feel betta…" Buck smiles comfortingly at me.
The tears begin to fall. I throw myself at Buck, hugging him as I begin to sob. I bury my face in Buck's chest as I cry. Buck strokes my back soothingly. I'm shaking from my sobs. I'm clinging tightly to Buck, seeking his comfort. After a while, my sobs turn into whimpers. My tears slow down.
I pull away from Buck. I sniffle and wipe my eyes free of the tears. I look up at Buck, a blush coating my cheeks. "Thank you, Buck…" I mumble.
"Yer welcome, Sophie. Now, don' be embarrassed. I's fine. Le's ge' back ta th' tree. Yer kits will wan' ta see ya again," Buck points out.
I nod my head. "Alright," I agree. Together, we start to head back. I'm grateful to Buck for being there for me. I'm glad that I have someone to understand.