Gruff wrapped his arms around his stomach as he followed the two teens. With each step, his legs shook like Jello.

“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 and placed his hand on Gruff’s head, ruffling his hair.

Gruff nearly fell over when, suddenly, his stomach growled in retaliation.

“Are you hungry?” Marcia asked.

“Well…” Jonah said with a ridiculous smile. “You’re in luck because Ma 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 really does!” Jonah picked Gruff up and placed him 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. The smell of food wafted through the forest. A dog-sized ant scuttled to an opening in the large rock, only to be barred entrance by a closing door.

“Hey Gruffy, how are you feeling?” Marcia asked, as a loud gurgle from Gruff’s stomach answered her.

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 Marcia to Jonah, then finally up to Gruff. “Who is this?”

“This is Gruff,” Jonah said, reaching up to help the boy down from his shoulders. “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. But I think it would be best if we all shared. 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 for him. Then Jonah picked him up and sat him down.

“Let me get you a plate,” the woman said, walking off and returning with a plate she began to pile food in front of him.

Gruff glanced up at the woman. She was tall and muscular. Her long brown hair was tied up with a string, and there was an intimidating scar on her face, but her smile was warm.

“Let me introduce myself before we begin eating,” the woman said. “Hello Gruff, I’m Nancy these two call me Ma, feel free to call me whatever you are comfortable with.”

“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?”

“I’m starving!” Jonah looked at Gruff. “Eat all you want, Gruff.”

The boy began shoveling food into his mouth, barely taking the time to breathe between each bite. Tears rolled down his face, making the food taste extra salty. He looked at his three new companions watching him eat and held out his spoon filled with mashed potatoes. “These a’ real good,” the boy said with his mouth full, and the others at the table just smiled at him.