"Price of Freedom II" by Elizabeth ´Celesta´ Kretzschmar

Sheridan awoke to the sound of claws tapping upon glass. He lay curled in a quivering mass of fur in the corner. His clothes still held the prior day's dirt but its soft cloth was now tainted with blood. Lelah's cheerful face peered through a window, but when her gaze found her friend her face fell with a gasp. His limbs were bent in unnatural positions and his fur matted with dried blood. She watched in horror at his failing attempts to turn and see her. Such a simply task but yet even this was beyond him. Fear struck her heart and a short cry escaped her lips. This really had gone on long enough. The young tigress shoved the window open and crawled through--eagerly speeding toward him. It was well past noon and she was gone for now, but this was the first time very long while that Sheridan hadn't been able to attend the daily ritual of meeting her. The first time since she knew his claims of klutz were false. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears and she cradled his head in her lap. She whispered encouraging thoughts but her concern and even a touch of anger clearly showed, "S'alright, you'll be fine… Really! In a few days you'll be good as new. And then, my friend, we're leaving. Please! Don't argue. This has gone on too long already… shhhh, it'll be fine. Honest."

The young fox tried desperately to open his muzzle, tell his friend it wasn't necessary and that he'd be fine. Really. She reached a dainty paw out and set it upon his mouth, clamping it gently shut. "I know what you're going to say… but it's gone on to far! You don't deserve this… we'll get you out. Soon, now. Soon. Anything thing t'is possible with friends even if they were otherwise just dreams… you'll see." Lelah's jaw fell open, her mind now seeing a missing link. Anything tis possible with friends… Oh, that’s it!! With a quick hug for her friend she murmured a pain filled 'Forgive me.' "Oh, I'm such an idiot! How could I have not seen it? Sher… we've been going about this all wrong… I said anything tis possible with friends... didn't I?? That’s what I thought! Who said its just you and me who have to getcha out'a here? Friends!! Of course! We may have to pay them some… but… oh, you'll see!"

Caught up in the moment, she hugged him yet again and then leaped to her feet, glowing with a joy. Joy of the knowledge he'd soon be out of this wretched place he called home. Glancing nervously out the window she whispered--her voice still filled with happiness yet not as hysterical as before. "Oh! I know just the place… I'll find someone… I will! I'll getcha out'a here… I better go now though. I'll be back soon… and hopefully with help. Just think! Freedom."

And with that and a last glance to her friend she crept out the open window and ran off down the street.