Chica and Napoli

“Keep up, Chica! The howls are getting closer and sound like they are separating into different directions. I am guessing they are surrounding us.” Fear began to fill my mind and my long strides took on a sense of urgency. “Stay up with me Chica!” Her little legs were trying their best, but they were no match for mine. Suddenly, I heard a screech and then a growl. I turned around, and saw my sister, my Chica, being dragged by her paw while two other coyotes began moving toward her in anticipation. She was about to become their dinner. Nooooo! I stopped running away and changed directions toward the squealing Chica and the howling pack. As fast as was possible for me to run, I leapt, full speed, on the culprit who had Chica by her paw. I threw him over on the ground with Chica still in his grasp. I started to bite his head to release her. His mouth opened in pain as he yelped for help. The pack was still in shock over my unwelcome intrusion. For a fleeting second, they were frozen in time. I yelled to Chica, “Run!” Chica ran to a pile of rocks and scooted in between them with her small body. The coyotes were too large to pursue her into that tiny space. She was unreachable, so they focused their hunger on me. I would provide so much more food than the small one. The whole pack reassembled and turned their attention my way. The largest in the pack shot forward and snapped at my leg, while another snapped at my stomach. Each attempt was met with a growl from me and a snap at their heads. I was holding them off, but I knew the odds of my survival were not good. Three against one are never promising odds. However, I was relieved that Chica was safe for now. The pack began to step up their game. They had obviously worked together before. They continued to circle and snap at me. I maintained my speed and snapped back. Suddenly the large one who I had challenged at the beginning, jumped up on the two rocks where Chica was hiding and growled louder. It must have been some sort of a signal, for all at once the coyotes spread out and tried to get my attention. I could not keep up with all their movements. It was confusing. I was getting careless, and they knew it. The menacing coyote on the rock decided it was time to challenge me. He jumped off and landed on my back. Confused, I spun around with him attached to me. The rest of the pack moved closer and one of them grabbed my leg and bit down. I cried out in pain and fell to the ground. I could smell my own fear as they nipped at me and bit another one of my legs. I couldn’t move. The thought came to me. Was this the way I was going to die? Would I be dinner for a pack of coyotes? I could hear Chica barking and barking from between the rocks. She was scared for me but could not help. I wouldn’t give up. I was a hunter and I still had hope.