Gruff wrapped his arms around his stomach as he followed the two teens. With each step, his legs shook like Jello, and he gradually fell behind Jonah and Marcia.

“Hey Gruff,” Marcia said, “are you okay? You’re falling behind.”

Gruff peered up at the two. With a shaky breath, he opened his mouth to answer, but nothing came out. Jonah walked back to him and placed his hand on Gruff’s head, ruffling his hair.

Gruff nearly fell over when, suddenly, his stomach growled loudly.

“Are you hungry?” Marcia asked.

“Well…” Jonah said with a ridiculous smile. “You’re in luck because Master makes the absolute best food. It tastes like heaven!”

Drool spilled from the corners of Jonah’s mouth. “Don’t be silly, Jonah. Food can’t taste like heaven.”

“No, it does taste like heaven.” Jonah picked Gruff up, placing the boy on his shoulders. “Let’s go. We are almost there. I can smell the bread and meat cooking.”

Gruff’s stomach roared.

Smoke rose from what seemed to be a giant boulder. However, the boulder seemed to be open. The smell of food wafted through the forest, and a dog-sized ant scuttled to the scent, only to be barred entrance by a door closing on it.

“Hey Gruffy, are you okay?” Marcia asked, and a loud gurgle escaped Gruff’s stomach.

The giant ant scurried away as Marcia approached the boulder. She pushed on the side, and it opened.

“We are home,” Jonah ducked through the doorway.

“Welcome home.” A woman turned to face the group. Her voice was gentle, and she moved gracefully around the kitchen. The woman’s eyes skipped from Jonah to Marcia to Gruff. “Who is this?”

“This is Gruff,” Jonah said, reaching up to the boy to gently place him on the ground. “I named him!”

Gruff’s throat tightened, and his chest heaved. He wiped his face as he admired the table filled with food. A gurgling roar escaped his stomach.

“Well, someone is hungry.” The woman laughed.

“I can give him my share,” Jonah pointed at his chest. “That’s very generous, Jonah. I think it would be best if

we all shared some of our food. I made plenty today, after all.”

Gruff stood in front of the table, twiddling his thumbs. “Gruffy, what are you waiting for? Come sit down.” Marcia pulled out a chair. Jonah picked him up and sat him down.

“Let me get you a plate,” the woman walked off and returned with a plate. Then she began to pile food onto Gruff’s plate.

She was tall and muscular. Her long brown hair tied up with a string. The scar on her face was intimidating, but her smile was warm.

“Let me introduce myself before we begin eating.” The woman said, “Hello Gruff, I’m Nancy. But these two call me Master.”

“Do I get to stay here?” Gruff shifted in his chair. “As long as you wish to, you can stay here.”

“I would like that.”

“You three must be hungry. How about we start eating?”