Shortly after waking, there was severe pain in my stomach. My legs felt weak, and I gradually slowed down. Usually, when I become this hungry, I just lay down in the alley and wait for it to pass, but I can't lose sight of Marcia and Jonah. “Hey Gruff,” Marcia said, “are you okay? You're falling behind.”
I looked toward the two teens. I was further behind than I thought. Jonah walked back to me and placed his hand on my head, ruffling my hair. My body felt heavier with the extra weight. Suddenly, my stomach growled loudly.
“Are you hungry?” Marcia asked.
“Well...” Jonah said with a ridiculous smile on his face. “Then you're in luck because Master makes the absolute best food! It tastes like heaven.”
“Don't be silly, Jonah. Food can't taste like heaven.”
“No, it really does taste like Heaven.” Jonah let me go and headed toward Marcia, “Well, follow me. We are almost there.” I smelled bread and meat cooking. My stomach roared just as I started to see smoke shooting from what seemed to be a giant boulder. On closer examination, I realized that it was a small house. The house blended into its surroundings. If there weren't smoke floating out of it, I would never know it was a house.
I inhaled deeply, only to be reminded of my hunger. The smell made my stomach go insane. It's been so long since I've had anything to eat. I want to eat, but I shouldn't get my hopes up.
“Hey Gruffy, are you okay?” Marcia asked, and I nodded yes. They have been so kind to me. I can't burden them with my problems.
Marcia led me to the door, and we walked in. Jonah was talking to a woman in the kitchen. Her voice was gentle, and she moved gracefully. Her face had a scar on it, and her hands were incredibly calloused, but other than that, she looked like any other woman. “I named him,” Jonah exclaimed.
The woman laughed sweetly. “Well, we will have to find some food for Gruff then, won't we?” I felt my throat tighten, and my chest heaved up and down. I'll be able to eat warm food.
“I'll give him my share,” Jonah pointed to his chest.
“That's very generous, Jonah, but I think it would be best if we all shared our food with him. That way, we all get to eat.”
Warmth filled the air, and all my fatigue left my body. I stood in the doorway, taking in my new home. “Gruffy, what are you waiting for? Go on in.” Marcia pushed me into the kitchen, and Master noticed me for the first time. She is tall and muscular. Her long brown hair is tied up with a string. The scar on her face was intimidating, but when she smiled, I felt safe, just how I felt with my mother.
“Hello Gruff,” Master said, “I'm Nancy, but you can call me Master.”
“Do I get to stay here?”
“As long as you wish to. You can stay here with us.”
“I would like that.”
“You three must be hungry. How about we eat?”
“I'm starving,” Jonah looked at me. “come on, Gruff, you can have my seat.” I sat down at the small round table, and for the first time since I can remember, I ate until I was full.
That night the four of us talked to our heart's content. Jonah, Marcia, and Master. They all wanted to hear what I had to say.
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