Snippet from Hybrid Z

Doc leaned back into the evergreens and pulled the pack of smokes out again. “Well, I don’t think they could move tonight either so they are probably hunkered down just like we are. I can’t promise that we will find them tomorrow, Todd. I can say that I don’t think we have fallen any further behind.”

“Mister, does that mean we will find them tomorrow or not?” Todd asked again.

“Todd, mind your manners now. Doc doesn’t know if we will find them tomorrow any more than you or I know it.” Tressa said.

“Aw geese Tressa, you don’t have to get mad, I was just ask’n is all.” Todd replied

Doc looked up at the weather worn roof of the cabin wondering how much snow it could hold in its current dilapidated shape. “Todd, I am in just as big of a hurry to find the group as you are, son.”

“Really Mister, you’re in a hurry to find the puppies too?”

“I think he wants to find the whole group, Todd.” Tressa replied laughing, causing Todd to break into a laugh too.

Tressa wished that life could always be like this. Todd was so calm since they had left Rivers Crossing on their quest for the dogs. Doc seemed to always know what to say and how to say it to Todd. He always could get a calmer response than any others.

“Mister, are you ok? You don’t look so good do you?” Todd asked, bringing Tressa back from being lost in her own thoughts.

Doc’s eyes were bulging to the point that Tressa was worried that they just might pop out of their sockets. “Doc, are you ok?” Tressa asked as she reached around the fire towards him. “Are you choking on something? Can you hear me?”

Doc opened his mouth to speak letting out a gurgling sound as his neck began to bulge like his eyes. Tressa looked at Todd. “Go to the truck now and wait for me inside!”

“What is wrong with him?” Todd asked, looking scared. “What is wrong with you, Mister?”