The apprehension at Lena's was no different from what it was at Wilhelm's. A storm of concern seemed to hang in the air, accentuated by news sprawled across the TV screen. Nine teenagers had stumbled upon lion and tiger cubs, and what became of such a shocking revelation occupied the centerpiece of every discussion. The bright view of the television lit up the otherwise darkened room, casting long shadows on the walls.
"This is terrifying," Maja said with a quivering voice. "What if those lions and tigers get away?
"Don't be scared, Maja," their mom attempted to comfort her. "The police have the cubs now; they are safe." Her and her little sister Klara were having fun playing dolls on the floor of their room, happy and without the slightest notion of tension in the air. Their giggles brought fragile innocence into the room.
Lena sat silently on the couch, petting her white kitten, Bella. The little ball of fur purred contentedly under the touch of her hand-a small comfort in an increasingly unsure world.
Stellan, her father, leaned forward, noticing the spaceiness of her expression. "Lena, is everything okay? You look worried."
She started and looked up at him. "Oh, yeah, I'm fine," she said quickly, though her tone gave her away.
Stellan frowned. "Are you sure? You don't seem yourself."
Lena took a moment, and then the words just seemed to burst out. "I just keep thinking about those cubs. What would have happened if we hadn't found them? It's upsetting." Her voice cracked, and tears were in her eyes.
Stellan nodded as his features relaxed. "I know. A lot to swallow. But what you and your friends did. it was really very brave. You saved them, Lena."
Amalia, her mother, jumped in, infusing her tone with warmth and encouragement. "He's right. You and your friends made a difference. Those cubs are still alive and safe due to you. That is something to be proud of.
Maja stared up at her dolls, her eyes aglow with adoration. "You're a hero, Lena!"
"Yeah, a hero!" Klara echoed, her voice squeaking in excitement.
Lena forced a faint grin; their words buoyed some of her unease away bit by bit. "Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad. I just can't stop thinking about what might've happened if we hadn't found them." There was relief mingled with sad tautness around her eyes.
Stellan laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "What matters is that you did find them, and you did the right thing. That's what counts."
"It's just. scary," Lena whispered. "They could've been in real danger. It makes me want to go back into the woods, just to check if there are more animals that need help."
"I'll come with you!" Maja said eagerly. "I'm not afraid of the woods."
"Me too!" Klara, just as excited joined in. "We can be animal rescuers!"
The love in Lena's heart grew toward her sisters, towards animals. Connection with the world of living creatures had always been deep inside of her, and such trust from her father to entrust her with their two big dogs-meant a lot to her.
Amalia giggled. "Shall we make a beginning by offering our services at the animal shelter? You can serve there, too, and that would be a difference."
Lena's face brightened up. "That's such a good idea! I've always wanted to do that."
"We can look after the animals!" exclaimed Maja, jumping up and down. "Feed them, play with them, and give them so much love.
Klara clapped her hands in agreement, and the family debated for the rest of the night how to crystallize Lena's spirit into action. Gone was the tension of earlier as a sense of purpose and pride in Lena's bravery set in.
Although Lena still felt a flicker of apprehension, deep down she knew she had done the right thing. That realization filled her with determination. She could use her love for animals to make a difference in the world, and that thought above everything blew wind in her sails.