Page 18 of Pumpkin Patch Pack

“I’ll come get her in the morning,” Liam says, stepping back. “Unless she causes trouble.”

“I’ll text if she stages a coup.”

That half-smile appears again. “Good night, Emma.”

“Good night, Liam.”

I watch as he walks away and turns toward his own cottage.

Inside, Maple makes herself at home, thoroughly investigating every corner of my small living space.

“Just don’t eat anything,” I warn her, closing and locking the door.

She bleats in what I choose to interpret as agreement, then hops onto the sofa and curls up as if she belongs there.

I shake my head, bemused by this strange turn of events. A farm goat as my overnight guest was not on my “to-do” list for today.

I go through my nightly routine: another check of the locks and closing the curtains. When I emerge from the bathroom in my sleep clothes, Maple is still on the sofa, watching me with those strange rectangular pupils.

“I’m going to bed,” I tell her. “You’re welcome to stay there or join me, but I draw the line at hogging the blankets.”

I settle into bed, pulling the heavy quilt up to my chin. Just as I’m drifting off, I feel a weight on the bed, then the sound of Maple circling before settling at my feet with a contented sigh.

“Goodnight, Troublemaker,” I murmur, oddly comforted by her presence.

For the first time in months, I fall asleep without checking the locks a third time.

7

Maple

Apple smell girl is sad-scared.

Maple knows sad-scared. Remembers being small, cold, hungry before big warm Liam found her. Apple smell girl has same worry scent.

But also… apple scent.

Sweet good apple scent that makes Maple’s mouth water and hooves dance. Want to be near apple girl.

Want to protect apple girl like pack protects Maple.

Gate is easy. Always easy.

Humans think they are clever with their locks and rope-ties, but Maple has hooves and determination and very good teeth for chewing rope.

Soft ground feels good under hooves. Cool air carries many scents: earth smell, growing things smell, and far away… big warm Liam smell walking this way.

Good. Pack should be together.

I bleat loudly “Open door. Apple girl.”

Apple girl opens door. Face brightens when see Maple.

Good. Maple butts head against apple girl’s legs, demanding proper scratches behind ears.

Yes, there. Perfect.

Big warm Liam comes. Talks with apple girl. Maple listens but mostly focuses on apple scent—is getting stronger.