Over the edge with Butterbeans

Once, when Butterbeans had been very young, Alex went on a business trip. It had only been for two days. However, it may well have been a week or more. He had worried about Butterbeans nonstop. His concern had gotten so severe, he almost came back early before even making it halfway.

Indeed, he had ultimately shortened the trip the following day. Returning earlier than planned. Butterbeans had been extremely happy. Apparently she had been refusing to eat while Alex was away. It had been the last time they had been separated for any length of time.

Knowing his friend is in trouble Alex scrambles and gets moving toward the edge of the drop off. The chasm below is vast now, and is void, filled with an inky darkness. Alex intends to follow whatever it is that took her.

Over the edge with Butterbeans

“It took her.” The Sergeant kneels beside Alex and grabs the straps of his backpack. For a wild moment the Sergeant is certain Alex will leap off the cliff after Butterbeans. He holds tightly to Alex, still not quite believing what he had seen.

Something had been dragging Alex toward the edge of the cliff. Furthermore, it appeared to have an iron grip. That is when Butterbeans had taken a chunky bite. The Sergeant had watched as the strange tendril shaped thing had thrown Alex mightily against the stone wall.

Then it had snatched Butterbeans from the ledge, so quickly, the Sergeant hadn’t had time to blink. Much less catch her. He had Alex however and he knew they would find Butterbeans. The Lieutenant was even now on the way with back up.

Paws for the cause

Alex peers carefully over the edge of the drop off. Wild and untamed fear grips him, and fills his thoughts, as he searches frantically for her with his eyes. After what feels like an eternity, he hears a small yip, and looks straight down. His heart skips a beat in relief.

Butterbeans is huddled tightly up against the cliff face, on a small and short ledge, ten feet below Alex. Indeed, Alex feels such relief, he almost whoops with happiness! Butterbeans yips again and gives a small wag of her tail. Alex feels such relief he almost cries out. However they are nowhere near out of the woods yet.

Alex asks the Sergeant for any kind of harness or rope, and scrambles as close as he dares to the edge. Moreover, he can hear the rest of the team entering the level at the far end of the corridor they are trying to reach. He feels much more hope for the safety of his friend.

Return

As he reaches over the edge, trying to get a hold on Butterbeans, Alex sees a furtive movement several more feet below. Their antagonist has returned. This time with friends. Several of the tendril shaped limbs snake upward, toward Butterbeans. They are fast and purposeful and this time Alex knows they are all in trouble.