I knew I’d found the right cave as soon as we got there. Just inside the entrance I could see a pile of caterflies huddled together like a tiny mountain of white snow with little pink dots. I set my backpack on a nearby rock, and the caterflies flew from Sassafras’ fur into the cave.
Sassafras looked around at the snow and decided to stay in the backpack.
I didn’t have much time, so I dug around in the backpack for the thermos while Sassafras grumbled. I took it to the mouth of the tiny cave and peeked in. It was a little hard to see, but I could make out a shiny layer of ice where the waterfall had frozen.
The two caterflies woke up the rest of the caterflies in the cave and told them about their adventure to and from the barn that morning. It ended with them pointing to me, saying, “That’s Zoey. She’s going to rescue our eggs!”
The cave of caterflies cheered.
Then the two caterflies continued, “Zoey has a cat. A real live cat. He’s ever so warm. Come see!”
All the caterflies rushed to the front of the cave and peered out.
“Ooooooooh!” they said at once. And then one, and another, and then all the caterflies launched into the air and landed on my cat. They snuggled down into his fur and began to purr.
I wished I had my camera because all I could see was Sassafras’ face peeking out from a mound of white wings. I thought he would be nervous, but he looked like he was smiling. Maybe dozens of tiny purring cats snuggling happily against you is a good recipe for happiness.
I glanced at my watch. Oh no! I only had a few minutes left.
After unscrewing the lid of the thermos, I was relieved to see steam coming from the water inside. Still hot. Phew.
I reached into the cave and splashed the water on the wall of ice that trapped the caterfly eggs. The ice made crackling noises, and I could see some lines forming, but it wasn’t enough.
Good thing I’d also brought the salt. I wouldn’t be able to come back until tomorrow, so I figured it was best to just use all of it now. It should definitely be enough to melt that ice!
I pulled my glove off with my teeth and poured a ton of salt into my open hand. Then I rubbed the salt as best I could all over the ice. When I was done, the ice had a nice layer of salt on it. With my ear to the cave, I could hear more ice crackling (though it was a little hard to hear over all the purring going on behind me).
I looked at my watch again and my heart jumped into my throat. We had to leave for home right now!
“Caterflies! I’m sorry, but we’ve really got to go. My dad will be worried if I’m home late. I think the ice should melt now with the salt on it. I’ll be back tomorrow morning to check on you, and I’ll bring my mom in case the ice doesn’t melt.”
The caterflies flew up and circled around my head, thanking me. I giggled.
They sure were cute little creatures. “See you tomorrow, Zoey!” they cheered as they flew into their cave for the night.
I snapped up Sassafras in the backpack. “Hold on tight, Sass!”
Sassafras hunkered down, and I ran for home.