A/N Hey there guys, I'd like to apologize for not updating in about a month. (Microsoft was screwed up) But I'm back and ready to go, so...
But first, to Mike101. About your review... you spoke too soon. I was just getting around to this. (probably should've just done this in the last chapter) oh well.
Here we go!
Balto and Dusk padded around the house to the window that opened up into Balto's room. As always, it was left unlocked so Balto was easily able to nose it open, which he did then hoisted Dusk through before finally pulling himself in. Dusk gazed around the room with sad eyes. So many days were spent right her with the pups as they played and learned. As she gazed around the room one thing kept playing over and over again in her mind.
It's amazing how just one memory can stick with you forever while others slowly fade into the realm of the forgotten. This memory that stuck into Dusk's mind was the morning that the pups all ganged up on her and Balto. Of course this wasn't the first time that this had happened, but there was just something about it that bored itself deep into her being. Maybe it was the way they had laughed, or maybe that they all fell out in front of the fireplace afterward; the pups all huddled together near the pleasant flames and Dusk with her head tucked comfortably under Balto's chin. That had to be it, that golden moment spent with her family.
Balto sensed his mate's feelings and comforted her with a nuzzle. The silence throughout the walk home had given him some time to think, and he came to realize something. The pups were all here in town. It wasn't like they would never see them again right? With this thought he was able to come to lay his sadness to rest.
Dusk sniffled.
"It'll be alright my love," Balto began as he pulled his face away from hers, "It's not like they're gone forever."
dusk wiped away a tear.
"I know, but it's just so hard to give them away."
"Yes, but think, either from here or the other side of town we can still give them help when they need it or teach them right from wrong." Balto snuggled in a little closer. "And just think, one day, if we're lucky, we can teach them the path to love and through our teachings they will have pups of their own. Wouldn't you like to have a whole mess of grandchildren one day?"
Dusk let an easy smile cross her lips at the thought of grandchildren.
"Yes, maybe some day."
"I will be a Papa and you'll be a Nana, and we can all spend the summers on the beach laughing and telling stories."
a dreamy look befell Dusk's eyes.
"I think I would like that very much."
"And maybe in a day or two we can go and visit," Balto said enthusiastically.
"Ya, see how they're settling in with their new humans," Dusk replied.
Balto nuzzled her again.
"It'll all turn out well, don't you worry."
Balto gave her a wink and she giggled a bit.
"I'm not, not anymore."
The pair stood silently for a long moment just lost in the others presence.
"So what's next?" Dusk asked breaking the moment.
Balto was a bit taken back by this question. What was next? He had absolutely no idea, but there was still a good answer.
"I guess we'll just have to wait and see," Balto said sincerely.
Dusk turned to face him and Balto smiled back at her.
"Life travels down a path unknown and unpredictable. Why spend time pondering what will be around the next bend when there is no certainty that you'll even make it around?"
Dusk sat intently, taking in what her mate was telling her.
"There comes a time when everybody realizes that there isn't much more they could do with their lives."
"Balto, what are you saying?"
"Exactly this; I'm almost six years old, Dusk. There isn't much left for someone like me, or you either."
Dusk whipped her head around to face him, troubled by his speech.
"When old dogs begin to feel their age there is one of two things that'll happen. Some go live the rest of their lives like the present day was their last, while others come to understand what is most important to them and settle down."
"So," Dusk began slowly, "What you're saying is that we need to chose which path to walk?"
Balto nodded.
"This decision needs to be made together. Whatever you shall chose I will follow happily at your side."
Dusk just smiled softly and took her place at Balto's side.
"I think I know what I want," she purred.
Balto smiled and she leaned her head on his shoulder. The pair pushed open the door to the hallway and walked in the same position as they started over to the fireplace. They found a good spot and laid together, Balto's head rested lightly on Dusk's neck, and snuggled tightly against each other. Soon thereafter they would both be asleep, their dreams flooding forth into their minds, and for Balto causing an old anxiety to rise out of the realm of the forgotten.
Here it is everyone! I apologize sincerely for making y'all wait so long, but I do appreciate those of you who have stuck with me through this time of technical difficulties. Thank you.