I stirred as I was awakened by the sounds of howling. I yawned sleepily as i got up out of my warm bed, walking to the window in my room to look outside to find the source of what had woke me. I assumed it was one of the neighbors dogs, if they had any. my mom and I had recently moved to Mississippi just last week so I wasn't really sure about where I lived. Finally my eyes caught site of several running figures and I realized what I was seeing was wolves. I couldn't look away from them as they ran across the few acres we lived on, my eyes locked onto their moving figures. I watched them until the disappeared into the woods before I finally looked away and went back to bed, staring up at the ceiling as my thoughts rambled in my head. There was a feeling I had that I couldn't shake, I just wanted to watch them all day all the time. I rolled over and closed my eyes with a smile on my face as i drifted to sleep again, awaiting for morning to come. When i woke I scrambled out of bed and scarfed down some cereal as to get outside quicker. I threw on some clothes and my sneakers, not bothering to brush my hair since i didn't hardly have any anyways."I'm gonna go play outside mom!!"I hollered as I ran out the door and down the steps before sprinting to the woods. I tried to quietly walk, listening for anything to hint me to where they may be. Bending down I examined the ground, gently moving leaves until i found paw prints. I grinned and followed them. It seemed to take forever as I followed them deep into the woods, crossing a stream as I went, before finally finding them. Unfortunately though I found the after I pushed through some thick trees, bringing attention to myself. I stopped and watched, all eyes on me. They stared at me, only a few growling warningly but not threateningly. I slowly began to walk backwards some until the stopped growling and went back to what they were doing. They didn't seem to find me threatening so, being the 16 year old boy I was, I sat down and leaned against a tree. They didn't seem to mind my watching them. They were so interesting, some were sleeping in the sun while some played around with each other. Two fought over the last scrap of their meal, all the while their alpha watching over them from a slight distance, keeping his eyes and ears open for any signs of danger for his pack. I could tell they were only here temporarily though, they weren't familiar with their surroundings and were more aware then an animal in its everyday habitat would be. I figured they would stay a short while, maybe a week or two, before moving on again. They were the kind of pack to never stay anywhere, the stayed on the move. I sat there watching them for hours, Occasionally one would come towards me, sniffing the air with curiosity. I smiled as I watched them, they must be wondering why a human would sit so near and just watch them. I chuckled lightly,"Maybe I'm just as curious about you as you are of me."I said, laughing lightly as one tilted its head, ears pricked, as I talked to them. I stayed as long as I could before finally standing up with a sigh."Well...I have to go home...I'll come back to tomorrow though." I smiled before turning and walking back through the woods, thankfully I had always had a good sense of direction and easily found my way back home. I walked up the steps and into the house.

"Where have you been all day?" My mom asked as I walked into the kitchen. She was cooking supper. I smiled at the smell of chicken marinated in honey barbecue cooking in the oven, mashed potatoes, green beans and carrots mixed in a bowl, and fresh baked, buttered rolls. Mom was the best cook in the world, her food was always the bet to me. I could never find any cooking I liked better than my mothers.

"Outside, exploring the woods. When will dinner be ready mom?" I grabbed a can of soda from the fridge. I popped the top and took a drink, the fizz burning my throat as I drank it. Sitting it on the table I let out the air I had held in.

"Mmmm...in about ten minutes. Go wash up before supper." She smiled, kissing my forehead. I smiled back, my mom was all I had so I didn't mind how close we were.

"Yes Ma'am" I said and walked down the hall, to my bathroom, and washed my hands and face before drying them off with a towel. I then went to my room and took off my shoes, placing them against the wall before playing video games on my Xbox until mom called me for dinner.

"Micheal! Time for supper!!" I turned off my game system and tv before making my way to the kitchen. I grabbed a plate and got my food, sitting at the table with mom. I picked up the chicken and took a big bite out of it.

"So what did you find out in those woods?" She asked as she too ate her meal. taking smaller bites then me and taking more time to chew then I did.

"A nice little stream where dear seem to stay close to. I sat in the trees and watched them for a while. I walked around and just explored. You know how I am." I shrugged, taking a spoonful of potatoes and a big bite of roll, washing it down with my soda. Mom smiled, nodding.

"My little explorer." She beamed at me.

"mom, I'm not little anymore." I grinned at her and gently pushed her shoulder.

"I know, I know. I'm only teasing you." She chuckled as she ruffled my hair. We conversed through dinner until we were done. I picked up our plates and while she put the food away I washed dinner dishes. She yawned and stretched some."I'm tired kiddo, I'm gonna head to bed. I love you, goodnight hunny."she said with another yawn. I kissed her cheek.

" Love you too mom, goodnight."