Into the Water
"Marco!"
"Polo!"
There was shouts of laughter as the party guests enjoyed themselves at the pool. Pups hung all over Riilu as they played with the pool toy. He didn't mind; he loved kids. He lifted them up out of the water and growled teasingly in their faces. They laughed and hugged him.
C-DH-3 observed his party from a chair at the side of the pool. He had regular get-togethers with his friends and family, and they were always filled with love and joy. He chatted a little with those around him, and noticed a slight rumble his tummy. He smiled. He knew just what to do about that. But it wasn't quite time.
The sun rose higher in the sky as the pool party went on. It was the weekend, and so more and more of his neighbors joined the fun. The party got more active and exciting, and the air was filled with happy voices. It was a blast.
The pool water gleamed in the sunlight. The grass swayed in the wind. It was the perfect day. Eighty degrees, warm and sunny, with puffy white clouds travelling across the sky. There was a breeze, a slight one that kept the partygoers from getting too hot but not strong enough to make swimmers cold when they exited the pool. The smell from the grill was practically unbearable to C-DH-3, but he controlled himself.
Finally, 12:00 PM rolled along and he ordered pizza. At 12:15 there was shouts of glee as C-DH-3 came walking into the yard with five boxes stacked in his arms. He shifted them and his face appeared around the side, sporting a huge grin.
"Who's hungry?"
The pool emptied quicker than lightning as the swimmers rushed to the food. Riilu grabbed a slice of pizza and munched on it while he talked with his friend.
"Those kids are animals," he panted. "You'd think I was a pool toy!"
C-DH-3 laughed. "Come on. I've got a surprise for you."
"But you still haven't eaten!" Riilu said in bewilderment as he followed C-DH-3 back to the pool.
"That's okay. Give me a ride!"
"Okay. Hop on," Riilu said, and jumped in. As soon as C-DH-3 was on safely he carried him through the water.
C-DH-3 hugged him. "You're a good friend," he said.
Riilu laughed and joked, "Yeah, and I'm the only thing keeping you afloat!"
"Take me to the shallow end, then."
There was a yell from the picnic table where everyone was eating. "Hey, look!"
All heads turned toward the pool as C-DH-3 proceeded to gulp down his friend. Everyone was silent. Riilu gave two thumbs-ups. And then there was laughter. A minute later, Riilu's large, heavy tail slid down his friend's throat until he was all the way in C-DH-3's belly. He snuggled the soft insides as C-DH-3 gave a small rub and let out a little burb.
A group of pups dove into the water and swam toward C-DH-3. "Careful!" parents warned. "You'll get cramps!" But they didn't care. They laughed and rubbed at C-DH-3's belly. They poked and prodded, and swam around it. C-DH-3 didn't mind. He enjoyed the attention. Riilu did too. He wiggled around inside and poked back out at the children.
"How long is he gonna be in there?" one small wolf asked.
"Just a little while," C-DH-3 answered. "Don't worry. You'll see him again before you leave!"
There was more laughter and the party continued. The kids played and the parents talked. All of the food was eaten and C-DH-3 laid back on a water mattress and enjoyed the company of his friend inside him.