8:27

The beaver closed his eyes for a moment. It had taken a bit of sleuthing, but he was pretty sure he had the address now. It had been a little more than an hour since he’d left Gareth’s place, and while the bleeding had slowed, it hadn’t stopped. His fur was matted and caked with dirt, and his head was spinning. As far as he could tell it was another ten minutes’ walk, maybe even longer at the pace he was managing.

Still resting his eyes, the beaver considered what would happen then. It didn’t look like he was going to be able to rest anytime soon, and he so needed to rest. Just stop and take a moment. He leaned against the hard brick wall of the alley and savoured the feeling of drifting off. Just a few moments more.

His breathing slowed and for a moment, he dreamed.

***

Albert looked down at him and said, “How are you old friend? I hope you’ve been well. I must say, I have missed you terribly.”

“Hi yourself. I’m well enough; better than well, I suppose. All that clean living.”

“Ah. Yes, I suppose you don’t often find yourself trapped here amidst the smog and pollution of the city, do you?”

“No. And I am eternally thankful for that. Literally.”

“Yes, I suppose that’s true as well. Can I get you something?”

“No, no, I’m fine. I am a bit curious as to why you needed to see me so suddenly. Is there a problem?”

Albert looked away from the beaver and his posture suddenly collapsed. For a few minutes he said nothing and then, “Yes, my dearest friend. There is in fact a problem. And I am afraid there doesn’t seem to be anything anyone can do about it.”

“You see, it’s my son.”