My Luna Has Returned

Part of me wants to be selfish and demand that she undergo treatment to have more time together, but I keep my thoughts to myself, cherishing every moment I spend with her.

"I know, but her dog destroyed part of the project, and she needs help," I fib, feeling the pang of guilt tugging at my heart. I don't like lying to my parents, but I fear their rejection once they discover my true identity as a supposed "freak" or an existence that shouldn't be.

With a sigh, my mom reluctantly gives in, as she always does when it comes to my independence. She doesn't want to hold me back, recognizing that I can take care of myself.

"Just don't stay out too long, okay, dear?" she cautions.

"Yes, Mom. I love you," I reply, giving her a kiss and a hug. It has become a ritual for me to do so every time I leave the house, uncertain if she'll still be there, okay, and alive when I return.

...

I drive quickly, eager to return home before it gets too late. Parking in a secluded area, I ensure no one is around before stripping off my clothes and focusing on embracing my wolf form. I call for her, visualizing the image I saw in the mirror. My heart races as my bones crack and my body trembles, once again standing on all fours as my wolf.

A surge of adrenaline and excitement courses through me, and I happily bark and leap around, in tune with my wolf's emotions. I feel guilty for ignoring her existence for four long years. She was hidden from me, and now I finally embrace her.

Bursting with joy, I let out a loud howl without expecting a response. To my surprise, I hear another howl in return. My heart pounds erratically, and instinctively, I run towards the source of the sound. I howl again, receiving another howl in response. This exchange continues until I spot another figure in the darkness.

Uncertain of what to do, my ears lower, tail tense as I cautiously approach the unknown wolf, who is smaller than me. When we get close enough, the wolf playfully barks at me, and I respond in kind. We begin chasing each other, playfully teasing, barking, and howling. It's the most fun I've ever had, feeling like a pup all over again.

Time slips away as we continue this game, but suddenly, another wolf howls, and the one with me howls back, indicating it's time for her to return home. I take this cue to head back to my car, which takes longer than expected, making me nervous as I promised my mom I wouldn't be too late.

Upon my return, my parents are on the couch watching an old telenovela. My mom looks at me with concern, but I reassure her with a watery kiss on her forehead, which she playfully complains about, leading to laughter between my dad and me. I take my pre-heated food to my room and eat while gazing at my poster wall, displaying a photo of the wild taiga forest in northern Russia—a place I'm fascinated with. I imagine the untamed beauty, flora, and animals, dreaming of photographing them. It's my desire to visit someday.

Although my parents have offered to fund the trip, the thought of leaving them behind unsettles me. Having already lost one family, I'm determined not to lose another. Besides, they wouldn't be able to keep up with my pace in the wild, so I've been saving money for the day I muster the courage to go. After all, I'm only sixteen, and I want to be done with school before embarking on any big adventures.

As the night goes on, my eyes grow heavy, and I prepare for bed. Before drifting off to sleep, I express gratitude for my parents and my newfound discovery.