Part Two — The Valleys

Summer had arrived. Daytime temperatures climbed steadily, and the last of winter’s cloaking snow finally surrendered, feeding streams, rivers, and waterfalls in a turbulent rush. Wildflowers erupted in vibrant colour across the valleys, and birdsong punctuated the warming air. The days stretched warm and long — the sun lingering until nearly midnight before rising again only a few short hours later.

School had finished, and the more adventurous of the valley’s students were already planning months of hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping. Some would travel back to Aoraki to visit friends or relatives, returning with stories and news from beyond the mountains.

The monthly full-moon fire circle gatherings had now stepped up to weekly events. They formed the social heartbeat of the community — a place to share food, tell stories, swap news, and trade gossip. Conducting formal council business was generally frowned upon. There were, of course, always a few who could not resist forming earnest huddles to discuss their latest grand idea to improve the valley — usually involving someone else doing the actual work. Pet peeves and grievances were still aired, just more discreetly, and behind closed paws.

The first summer gathering following the thaw was the forest music festival. All the valley’s musicians came to play their stringed, wind, and percussion instruments. The fire circle carried a definite festive mood.

Tenzing arrived with his usual barrel of fish strapped in the back of his pickup. He spotted Jaak and Tag near the trailhead.

Jaak and Tag, always pleased to see Tenzing, ran over, eager to help.

It was then they noticed.

Tenzing had slicked the fur on his head flat with what appeared to be hair oil, and had clearly attempted to tame it with a comb.

Tenzing’s ears wiggled back and forth and the end of his tail twitched.

Jaak shot Tag an impish — yeah-right — look.

Then they caught it — a faint but unmistakable waft of something perfumed drifting from him in nose-twitching bursts.

The three of them heaved the barrel of fish onto a small hand cart — the sled retired after the snow. Just before they set off, Tenzing turned his back and quickly slipped something into the leather pouch slung over his shoulder.

Unseen by Tenzing, Tag gave Jaak a poke and made a barfing motion with his paw.

Tenzing pulled from the front while the boys pushed from behind, and before long they reached the fire circle.

Miss Asha was waiting.

Tenzing seemed impatient with all the chit-chat. His tail twitched with mounting nervousness.

The boys smirked and slunk off, settling on a rock outcrop across the fire circle where they could observe at a safe distance. They watched Tenzing chatting to Miss Asha.

He reached into his pouch and took something out.

It was a small bunch of wild summer flowers.

Wrapped simply in brown paper — and now looking slightly crumpled from their leather-pouch journey up the trail.

The boys watched gleefully as Tenzing handed Miss Asha the flowers.

Tag gave Jaak a poke.

Tag made another barfing motion.

Jaak punched Tag playfully on the arm. Tag poked him back — both dissolving into fits of giggles.

The boys’ scandalised suspicions had, to their utter horror, been confirmed.

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Two weeks earlier — just after the thaw

The last of the spring snow had melted, and only sparse patches now remained in shaded areas.

Altai and Jaak were in town stocking up their larder. Altai had spent some time discussing with the hardware store owner the pros and cons of the various 12-volt fridge options. With summer arriving, he needed to ensure his coldies stayed cold. He emerged armed with brochures and catalogues, intending to pore over them at length — comparing specifications, energy ratings, and the relative benefits of each. Altai was not one to make snap decisions over a purchase of this magnitude. When Jaak had suggested he — just pick one — he had chuffed loudly…

The pickup rumbled along the valley roads, twisting around and over the hills toward their cabin.

Altai was lost deep in thought, contemplating coldification specifications.

Jaak rather forgot to mention to his dad that his friend was Dieter — and that his friend was a hunde.

He’ll live -— what’s the worst that could happen?

Previous – Episode 13: Thaw
Next – Episode 15: Slobberfication