Several years ago,
Java and I were running a trail at night near Bald Hill.
We were in an open area, but approaching a stand of trees.
As we got near, coyotes that were in the stand started howling loudly.
It sounded like there were a lot of them.
This worried me, but didn't phase Java, who was leading our run.
She kept running, and we got closer to the stand and the howling.
If I were alone, I probably would have turned around.
I asked Java if she thought it was okay if we entered the stand.
She answered by keeping a steady pace.
In we went.
The howling suddenly stopped.
It was all so quiet.
Surreal.
Though I couldn't see them, I figured they were on both sides of the trail, watching us.
Java kept moving as if this were her domain.
Maybe it was.
In a minute or so we had passed through the stand.
And as we did, the howling, now behind us, began again.
I miss you girl.