Dan laughed. "I still say it's not camping if we sleep in the motorhome, Barb. Especially right by the office."
Barb put her hands on her hips, and scowled. But a slight smile betrayed her, ruining the effect. "It's the only type of camping you'll ever catch me doing. I like to be dry, and I like to have folks close enough to help out if anything happens."
"I should dress up as a bear tomorrow, and give everyone something to remember," thought Dan. He gave her a wicked grin. "Are you still worried about bears? The last one was spotted over fifty years ago."
She looked outside, and was silently assessing the situation. "It really does look more like a kid's backyard adventure than the deep woods. But if I act worried, it'll give him a chance to play the hero," she thought, smiling.
A high-pitched scream shook her out of her thoughts. "Hannah! What happened?"
The two adults tried to squeeze through the little entrance at the same time, getting nowhere. If the young girl hadn't been huddled under her blanket shaking, it would have been comical.
When Hannah calmed down, Dan sat her on his knee. "What's wrong, Sweetheart?"
"There was a spider right above me, a big one. I threw Teddy at it, and it went away. Make it stay away, Daddy. Please?"
He looked around the tiny, loft-like space which served as extra sleeping quarters. "There aren't many places to hide around here. If I were a spider, where would I go?"
"I hope you find him," whispered Hannah, her eyes still very big.
Dan rummaged around the little pile of toys. "Ah, here's our little guest. He hid under your Legos."
Barb sat down and held her daughter close. "Did it bite you?"
"No, it's just so big and scary."
Dan took her empty paper water cup, and pulled an ink pen out of his shirt pocket. He gently herded the spider into the cup, then opened the window.
He tipped it upside down. "Time for you to go back home," he said softly as he watched it float down a single strand of silk.
As the spider made its way to a nearby pine, six sets of yellow eyes watched the well-lit motorhome.
They had prowled far and wide, but the little family was the most appealing target for miles. Short days followed by cool fall nights made for limited choices.
"Circle and wait." the biggest wolf commanded, using only his mind. The orders were given not so much with words as images, but the message was clear.
The pack melted away. Each chose a spot which provided perfect camouflage, and stayed absolutely still.
Dan stepped out, walking several yards away from the motorhome. He looked up. "The stars are amazing out here. I wish we could see them this well at home."
The pack's focus was split between him and the open door. They were also keenly aware of everything else going on in the area.
Shivering after only a few seconds, Dan went back inside, locking the door behind him.
The leader rotated his pricked ears around, taking in every sound. No leaf or twig was crushed without his knowledge. "This is the right spot. Hold your positions."
Five minds responded with mental images of remaining still.
The pack heard him loud and clear, but the gentle breeze was blowing towards the motorhome. They couldn't smell him.
His heavy breathing was coming from the nearby woods, followed by soft singing. It made their hackles rise straight up.
A figure finally stepped out into view. The axe slung over his shoulder gave him the appearance of a lumberjack.
He smiled. "I thought I'd never find a nice, welcoming place..."
After his breathing returned to normal, he walked confidently towards the motorhome.
"Close in now," ordered the wolf, as he bunched his powerful legs under him. He sprang forward, jaws open.
To be continued!
Describe what you see:
I see a motorhome with the lights on in the living area. It's parked in either a campsite or a parking lot. It's close to other structures.
Describe what you feel:
I feel like it's a beautiful night, and the place is pretty much deserted. A perfect backdrop for an adventure!