01.20

The wolves were looking at the moon, their heads up in the air. Julia did not move, not because she was courageous, or because she believed nothing could happen to her if she was not to move, she did not move because her legs stopped moving and she could not advance or retreat. Her back became very cold. She kept looking at the wolves, at one in particular, the one that was directly in front of her, ahead of all the others. The wolf had black hair, large eyes that reflected the moon and was as tall as Julia was. It closed in while Julia did not move, not even a little. She held her gaze steady, her arms firm until the wolf was as close as one step, then she heard something behind her. Other wolves closed in on her, on all sides. She could not move not see what was behind her. Then she heard her voice. She barked and howled and although Julia could not understand the meaning of those sounds it was Gaia’s voice she was hearing. She tried to turn back but the wolves were as close as inches from her, only then her legs begun to tremble. Gaia howled again and the wolves advanced towards her, ignoring Julia. The very last one, smaller than most others, bit Julia’s tunic and ripped its fabric, then followed the others. Julia could turn then, her legs regaining strength. The wolves were all around Gaia and she was uttering sounds and howls. She looked calm and unharmed. Then, all of a sudden, one of the wolves stood up and jumped on a roof, extended his neck in a long, deep howl and disappeared. The others followed him in pack, until Julia and Gaia were alone on the terrace.

You can talk to wolves, said Julia.

Yes, can’t you?