Out in the vast green field was several cones and makeshift tracks. “Everyone, choose a friend, we’ll start off with some games before the race,” Mr. Bork said, watching carefully over everyone. Mr. Bork spilled out the contents of a thin green bag he had brought out, which contained a variety of fun things. There were small, tight tug-ropes, circular, hard frisbees, and small, rubber balls.
Tony turned to Buddy and they began to walk towards each other. However, a sudden wave of guilt splashed through Buddy and he stopped in his tracks. “What’s wrong?” Tony asked, confused.
“I don’t know…” Buddy replied. He took a quick glance over the fields and saw a patch of silver floor moving around alone in the distance. “Go play with Sarah today, okay?”
Tony looked confused. “Why?”
“I got something to do. Don’t worry about it,” Buddy said smiling. Tony, despite still being unsure, turned and left.
Buddy ran up to Mr. Bork and grabbed one of the items. He then turned to the far side of the field and dashed forward until he reached the silver outlined figure. “Hey! I’m Buddy, nice to meet you!” he greeted.
Silence.
Buddy wasn’t sure of why he was even talking to the dangerous creature, but he felt morally compelled. “What’s your name?”
“...Louvel...but you know that…” the wolf replied cautiously.
Remembering that he learned his name in class, Buddy barked in laughter. “Do you wanna play with this rope I got?”
“...why…?”
“Why what?”
“Why are you talking to me? As you can see...everyone avoids me.”
“Well, I don’t like seeing people alone, that’s all,” Buddy said, quite unsure himself of why he was talking with a wolf.
“Well...I’m not dangerous, really! So there’s nothing to worry about. Wolves have a bad reputation around here, but they’re actually really cool animals. The others don’t know that and leave me out, thinking I’m going to hurt them. I had to leave my last dog school, because they thought I didn’t work well with others when really, the other dogs would never let me play with them.”
“You mean the others excluded you, because you were a wolf and not a dog?! That’s terrible!”Buddy said, realizing that his friends were just the same. “Well, what do you like to do?”
Joyful that someone had finally talked to him, he forgot all about his distance and spoke openly. “Well I love to play catch, but even more so, I LOVE to run.”
“Me too!” Buddy said as he jumped in joy. He had made a new friend today. “How about we go back to the others and I’ll introduce you?”
“I’m not too sure…” Louvel replied, full of doubt.
“Come on, it’ll be fine and who knows, you might make a bunch of friends!”
“Well...okay.” Buddy and Louvel both started walking towards Mr. Bork and the others, leaving the tug-rope behind.
As they came close to the other dogs, Louvel got nervous. “I have to be on my best behavior...or else they might think I am some vicious, foul-mannered fool.”
“Just be yourself, Louvel. They’ll like you just as they like me once they get to know you.
“I hope…”
Tony was caught in an intense tug-rope challenge against Sara, who seemed to be playing with him. As Buddy closened, Tony opened his mouth to greet him, causing Sara to suddenly fall back on herself. “Hey Bud--,” Tony started as he noticed Louvel in the back.
“Hey guys,” Buddy said, “This is Louvel. He’s a wolf, but he’s just like us and it’s so cool!”
“What do you mean just like us?” Sarah interrupted.
Buddy looked at Louvel and smiled, encouraging him. Louvel took a step forward and said quietly, “Well...I like the play catch and especially running. I’m a really gentle wolf, honest! I wouldn’t hurt a squirrel!”
Silence thickened with doubt filled the air. In an attempt to raise the mood, Buddy offered, “How about we have a race?”
“I’m in!” Louvel barked.
“Let’s see what you can do, wolf,” Sara challenged.
“Alright!” Buddy yelled, “An epic race between Louvel and Sara, Wolf and Husky. Who will win?! To the end of this field and back! A long distance should be nothing for you two stamina filled canines. Get ready…” Both dogs prepared themselves and a small crowd formed. “In 3...2...1...GOOO!!!”
Louvel and Sara both took off in a sprint, their furs a complete blur. Everyone stopped their own activities and lined up anticipatedly. One by one, everyone started howling with excitement. Sara had made the first touch on the back and was already on her way back, Louvel only a few feet behind. The crowd silenced themselves and watched with keen eyes. Sara was ahead but Louvel was quickly closing the gap. She knew she was about to be passed and pushed herself even harder. Still, Louvel did not drop and pulled through in the last sprint to the end. Louvel had won!
Both dogs stopped and gasped for air. Just then, Mr. Bork came out with a water tank. “Great race! I suspected you needed water. It’s good that you’re welcoming your new classmate so warmly. Here, drink up,” Mr. Bork said as he filled up a huge bowl of water. Both dogs dived into the haven, drinking non-stop for what seemed like hours.
Sara raised her head out of the water, still panting. “Good race there. You weren’t so bad.”
Louvel lifted his own head out of the water. “Thanks, you weren’t so bad yourself.”
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