and shaking his head.
Crazy! he says.
What is?
What they say about the accident with all the cows he says.
We head along Queen Street. I take out the phone I have been using—the 1 from the front porch—and once again it doesnt work. I wonder if it is frozen? I had it in my outside coat pocket again. Maybe that was the problem befor.
I give Herb my address on Tecumseth. My home address. I can see it in my mind written out on an envelope cause I send a letter home every week. I dont know if anyone is there or not. Would Herb drive me to Creekside now if I asked? Would I ask?
I recognize all the stores we pass. Traffic is lite.
Whats that about the accident? I say.
Herb says something I dont catch xept for the last word.
Wolf? I say.
What the truck driver told the police says Herb. Says he saw this wolf run up from the lake and cross the lakeshore road rite in front of him. He jammed on the brakes so he wuldnt run into it. The truck skidded and crashed and the cows got out. Drivers fine but the truck and 2 cars are a mess and 3 people are in hospital. And all because of a wolf.
I cant help myself. I start laffing again. Is it as easy as that—is Grampa looking after me? Is that how I got home? Cause if its that easy why am I so tired? We turn down our street.
Herb looks at me like—Whats so funny? But he doesnt ask any questions.
Theres a lite in an upstares window at my place. I see a shadow for a second and then its gone.
Herb holds up a box of kleenex he keeps on the dash. I take a few.
Thanks I say. My voice cracks and I try again. Thanks.
I wipe away the tears.