A new story

[scout]

Late one autumn afternoon, a mother and daughter were walking hand in hand along the trail in the woods behind their house, enjoying the crisp fall air. The daughter asked the mother, “Tomorrow?” “Tomorrow”, the mother replied. They continued their walk, listening to the leaves crunch beneath their feet. The next morning, the little girl woke up early, just as the day was beginning, quickly dressed and then went to her mother’s room. “Today?” asked the daughter. “Today”, her mother answered. They left the house, got in the car, and the mother carefully pulled out of the drive. As they travelled along the road, the daughter gazed out the window, watching the fall colors blend into a brilliant kaleidoscope as they passed. It didn’t take long for them to arrive, and after parking, they walked hand in hand to the doors. As they approached the doors, the daughter noticed movement from inside the building, and although she couldn’t tell what it was, it made her happy. The mother opened the door, and led the daughter inside. There, waiting for them, was the girl’s father. And there, standing beside him, was a beautiful golden dog, with a joyful smile, and a wagging tail. As the father picked up his daughter, and hugged her tight, the dog stood quietly by, guarding the two and watching the reunion. The father told his daughter, “There is someone very special I would like you to meet. She is going to be part of our family, and she is going to help me come home.” The little girl looked into the gentle brown eyes of her father’s companion, and held out her hand. The dog leaned forward, sniffing the small fingers, and then smiled in greeting. The little girl looked at her father and asked, “What is her name?” Her father, walking out, and holding his daughter’s hand in one of his and a leash in the other, replied, “Abby”.