The creature stood directly in front of me. Yet I cannot give you exact dimensions. He could both jump on me and disappear in a wispy curl round the trees. Physical smoke.
‘Hello again,’ he said. ‘Difficult weather, I know. But you made the right decision.’
Pale slashes from the blackberries decorated the animal’s face. These were not the angry welts of before, but still visible in the thick fur. How long will they last? I suppose I will never know.
The mouth opened like a striking viper. Rather than a display of muscles, a huge black hole formed the throat. All I needed to do was remain still, and the walk was over.
But I remembered Archie, and knew I had to carry on.
A clean snap rang out. Teeth on air.
Plunging back down my original route was the quickest way to the house. But I had to finish this or not at all. A year’s exercise helped. My muscles pushed me forward past trees with skeletal branches, and brambles coated in silver spiderwebs. A small diamond of light up ahead provided a target.
The wolf was right behind me, and he never stopped talking. The words were lost to my crashing and heavy breathing, but he said something about finishing.
I ran across the field I saw all those months ago. The moon was a massive globe with every divot and crater visible, providing enough light to illuminate a football match. The majesty made me want to stop, and admire the the wonder found in something taken for granted. But Archie and the smell of burning books drove me on.
The woods were thicker on the other side. Perhaps they slowed him down. Perhaps he knew the rules have changed. Either way I got to the front door, and flung myself through.
I clicked the lock in place seconds later, convinced this was too late, or an irrelevant paper defence. But a slam on wood or breaking glass did not follow. Instead three loud knocks echoed through the frame.
What a wonderful place Wulfhil is to go for a walk! A delightful piece of ancient woodland, and a perfect place to finish the book.
I hope you have enjoyed this work, and found some new places to go walking with your friends, family, and by yourself. I hope you have learned a bit about me too.
And Archie if you are reading, please do not forget that it is never too late to call. You can always give me a shout, We can meet up, and go for a walk. I am sure the sun will return at some point.
For now going outside is no longer an option. My walks are complete, and so is my book.
What a shame the food is running low. That the moon is still out.
But this is not quite the end. I have one option left.
I got down a pad of paper from a shelf, and pulled a pen from a cracked mug. I started to write. I have entered a new world.
Or rather, an old one.
When we last left the Butter Mouse, he was up on the mountain, having a hot chocolate with his friends.
With his friends.
Far away, safe from harm.
And that is where we will leave him.
But a new character is emerging.
This time the Butter Mouse’s mother had decided to visit him. He may need some more hot chocolate supplies, and a top up on marshmallows. So on go her hiking bookings, and away she travels.
An adventure awaits. Will she make it to her son safely? You could not write a picture book with an unhappy ending, could you?
I write the first sentences and there is another knock at the
