The Recital by Bryan Chaney

	 Jake stood in front of the crowd expectantly. His tail twitched
uncontrollably and he tried hard to stop it.  His mother and father nodded to
Jake, encouraging him.  He adjusted his collar slightly and cleared his throat.
The group of parents sat there waiting for him to begin.
 	Jake had been practicing for weeks, but now was the big time.
His teacher told him he had the nicest voice of the pack.  It was a little
embarrassing to sing like that still, especially in front of an adult, but
he knew it was important.  Most wolf cubs would sing, and in small groups,
away from others; it was a natural part of life but...
	Jake realized his mind had wandered and forced his mind back to the
present.  He took a deep breath and then opened his muzzle to speak.
 	"Ladies and gentlemen of the pack, we are gathered here today for
a rite of passage all pups must pass through..." Here, Jake faltered,
trying to think of the next part of the ritual he so carefully memorized.
He looked to his teacher, Mrs. Dewclaw, who silently mouthed the next
words.  Jake nodded quickly, gathered his wits and then carried on.
"Tonight, here under the full moon, we will sing a song for the future."
 	Jake made a little bow and stepped back to join the others that were
gathered behind him.  Mrs. Dewclaw stepped forward and smiled slightly. 
Silently, she raised a paw and the pups simultaneously raised their voices in
a beautiful wolf song amongst the pines, with the moon just peaking over their
tips.  Not long after, the adults who had gather joined in well, blending their
well practiced voiced with the joyful sounds of youth.
	Afterwards, Jake ran to his father, tail wagging and feeling much
relieved.
	"You did very well, my son," his father said.  "Do you feel any
different in becoming an adult now?"
	Jake looked up at his father and said, "Not really..."
 	His father chuckled and replied, "Maybe not now, Jake, but you
will, you will..."
 	The family headed for home, walking under the light of the moon.

 				The End.