The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

3rd Person

When Mary Laurent looked out her cottage window to see her husband, Thomas, trudging across the terraced hills of their remote farm with four young pups toddling after him, she had to do a double take. At first she thought she was imagining things- they’d had all manner of strange creatures show up on their lands over the thirty years of their marriage, but this was something entirely new.

The children were covered in mud from head to toe, and following her mate at quite a distance.

They seemed to be taking the journey in sprints, crossing the open expanses of green pasture land at a trot, before stopping to hide behind various objects, from trees and farm equipment, to the couple’s prized llamas. She might have thought they were trying to sneak up on Thomas, only it was clear he knew they were behind him. He was pretending like he was completely oblivious to them, though she could see his face crinkled in concentration as he drew near- as if listening carefully to ensure they were still following.

They must have come from the jungle – after all, it surrounded their land on all sides. Still, she had no idea how they’d gotten there, let alone escaped the deadly forest. When her husband finally reached the door to their modest home, she met him with her hands braced on her plump h!ps. “What on earth, Thomas?” She asked in exasperation. “Trust you to go check on the herd and return with a whole litter of pups.”

“Gently now, my love.” He cautioned. “They’re more than a bit skittish – I don’t think they’ve had an easy time of it.”

“Gently.” She snorted, “1’ve raised more than my share of pups, Thomas Laurent, and I’ll tell you right now that a scared babe needs a firm hand in care, not wishy-washy cajoling.”

She marched out of the house and right up to the muddy children, who were unsuccessfully attempting to conceal themselves among the baby llamas in the nursery pens. They’d zeroed in on a small brown calf and clearly imagined they could camouflage themselves against its dark fur.Well, what have we here?” Mary asked pointedly.

“Liamas.”A small voice whispered back

The proclamation was followed by the sound of a dull thud and a whispered, “Llamas don’t talk!”

How do you know?” The first voice hissed back. You’re not a llama ‘xpert.”

Cuz they would’ve said something by now.” A third voice reasoned.

Hmm, so I have pups hiding among my crias do I?” Mary observed.

We’re not pups!A fourth voice put forth meekly. I mean here, we’re not here!”

Mary shook her head, smothering a smile.

Alright now, no more hiding, you little ones need to come inside and get cleaned up so I can get a proper look at you.”

For the first time a tiny head covered in dark hair popped up into view, peeking over the back of the young llama and revealing a pair of bright green eyes narrowed distrustfully. “He promised we wouldn’t have to take baths.”

over her ch3st and arched her brow.

not have muddy pups in my clean kitchen. You’ll have baths

to decide

urged them, clapping her hands. “The sooner you’re clean the sooner you

an obvious mother, got the pups moving like nothing before. They obediently followed Mary into the cottage, pausing at the door to let her pull off

dry them, trying to fight the urge to cry or ask for cuddles when she fussed and lamented about all their bug bites, scratches and bruises. She treated their wounds

She scolded as they began

so

we

wee lambs.” Mary crooned sympathetically, “can you tell me what happened to you? Did you get separated from

nodded, sniffling but not saying

the

shook her head. We can’t

Why not?” Mary pressed.

don’ know you.” Paisley frowned. “And we don’ twust grown ups we don’

wise.” Mary praised, exchanging a worried glance with her

had learned not to trust the hard way. ‘Still Thomas and I want to help you. How can we do that

mischievous

it with a cough as Mary cut her eyes to him, Well aren’t you the feisty one.” She observed, turning back to Riley, “does that mean you’re brave enough

yawning and stretching now that her belly was full. The other pups were becoming drowsy too, cuddling closer together

The pups were already fast asleep, their bowls abandoned as they snuggled themselves into a puppy pile and passed out in pure exhaustion. For the first time in many, many days, they rested without

would have kept them in a heartbeat, for the couple loved children and their own pups had been out of the house for a few years now. Yet despite how skittish the little ones seemed, it was

them into

probably where they

town, I’m not sure we want to take them back there.” Mary fretted.

and grief, we have to try to reunite them as soon as possible. It might be different if we were going to keep them. But someone is out there, looking for

them it will call attention to the fact that we have them. What if

careful about it.” Thomas nodded. Maybe we don’t take them with us, maybe we just go to market and see if there are

faster, but I expect it will