Once there was a wolf named Luna. She was a beautiful gray and white wolf with piercing gold eyes. Luna had always been a lone wolf, her parents died when she was young, and she had been wandering by herself ever since.
Luna longed for companionship, but every time she tried to join a pack, they would reject her. The other wolves were afraid of Luna because she was so independent and strong-willed.
One day, Luna came across a pack of wolves that welcomed her with open arms. For the first time in her life, Luna felt like she had found a family. She loved spending time with her new pack and hunting alongside them.
But one night, Luna's pack was attacked by a rival pack. Luna fought bravely but was outnumbered. In the chaos of the attack, Luna was separated from her pack and left alone to fend for herself once again.
Luna wandered for days, longing for her pack and feeling her loneliness consume her. She began to lose hope that she would ever find a place where she truly belonged.
After an eternity of wandering, Luna stumbled upon a group of humans. They were all scared of her, but a young girl named Jannie welcomed her with open arms and took care of her as if she were one of her own human companions. Luna loved Jannie, but she never forgot about her pack, and the feeling of being a lone wolf always loomed in the back of her mind.
One day, while Luna was out playing with her human friend, they came across her old pack. Luna saw her old pack, and all the emotions came flooding back. She was torn between her loyalty to her new family and her desire to be reunited with her old pack.
After a few days, Luna made the heartbreaking decision to leave her new family and join her old pack once again. But when Luna arrived at her old pack's territory, she found that they had been attacked once again, and this time, they were all gone. Luna was left all alone once again, with no family and no pack. She cried out to the moon, begging for a sign or a hint of where she should go. Luna never heard an answer and was left to wander the wilderness in search of a place she could call home.
The loneliness never left Luna, and every night she could hear the howls of other wolves in the distance. But for Luna, it was too late. She had lost everything and would forever be a lonely wolf.
After wandering in the forest for hours, Luna finally found a cave to rest in. She curled up on the hard, cold ground and tried to sleep, but she couldn't stop thinking about her pack. She knew she couldn't go back, not with the way things had ended.
Days passed, and Luna learned to hunt on her own. She caught rabbits and deer, but she was always careful to stay far away from other wolves. She was afraid of being attacked, but she was even more afraid of forming any kind of bond with another wolf, only for it to be broken once again.
One day, as she was walking through the forest, she stumbled upon a group of humans. They were carrying weapons, and Luna knew she needed to get away. But as she turned to run, one of the humans spotted her and gave chase.
Luna was faster than any human, but the man had a bow and arrow. Before she knew it, an arrow had struck her in the leg, and she fell to the ground. The humans approached slowly, but Luna growled and bared her teeth, ready to defend herself.
But something strange happened. One of the humans, a young girl, stepped forward, holding out her hand. Luna sniffed cautiously, and the scent that hit her nose wasn't one of fear or hatred. It was one of kindness.
The girl approached slowly, and Luna couldn't help but feel curious about her. Before long, the girl was petting her head, and Luna found herself nuzzling into her touch.
The humans took her back to their village, where Luna was healed and cared for. Over time, she came to trust them and even helped them hunt. She knew she could never go back to her old pack, but she was grateful to have found a new family, but sadly, she found out by sniffing this girl that she is related to Jannie, whose gravestone was in the tent of this girl.
And though she sometimes missed her old life, she knew that sometimes, the best things in life come from the most unexpected places.
About the Creator
Tidal Barrier to Be 10m Shorter to Save Money
Rethinking Flood Protection in Somerset If you live near the coast, the threat of flooding isn’t just news — it’s a reality you can feel. That’s the situation in Bridgwater, Somerset, a historic market town near the Bristol Channel. For years, plans have been underway to build a tidal barrier to protect homes, businesses, and livelihoods from storm surges. Now, new updates reveal the barrier will be about 10 metres shorter than originally planned, a decision aimed at reducing costs while still keeping the town safe. This announcement has sparked conversations about engineering, budgets, and how communities adapt to climate challenges. Why the Barrier Is Being Shortened The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier was initially designed to be a high-profile flood defence, protecting thousands of properties from tidal surges that travel up the River Parrett. But after a recent design efficiency review, engineers concluded the barrier could be slightly shorter without compromising safety. Reducing the barrier by 10 metres lowers construction complexity, saves money, and reduces long-term maintenance costs. The Environment Agency and local authorities say this approach allows the project to move forward on time and on budget, ensuring the community gets protection sooner rather than later. The Cost Factor Public infrastructure projects like this don’t happen in a vacuum. Rising inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages have increased costs for large-scale projects. Officials argue that the revised design is a responsible compromise: it balances cost savings with safety. Somerset Council leaders have welcomed the decision, noting that managing costs wisely helps the project reach completion without compromising protection for residents. Community Voices and Concerns Local engagement has been a key part of the project. Residents have attended consultations and drop-in sessions to see the updated plans and ask questions. Some community members appreciate the cost savings and faster timeline. Others worry whether a shorter barrier will be as effective against future extreme weather events. Questions include: Will the barrier remain strong against increasingly unpredictable storms? Does reducing the height limit future adaptability as climate impacts grow? What effect might it have on local ecosystems and fish habitats? These are valid concerns, reflecting how communities are increasingly involved in climate adaptation decisions. Engineering Flood Defence Today Tidal barriers are not new — Britain has relied on them for decades. London’s Thames Barrier, for instance, has protected the capital since the 1980s. But today, rising sea levels and more frequent storms mean engineers must balance safety, cost, and environmental impact carefully. In Bridgwater, officials say the revised barrier will still protect against 1-in-200-year tidal events. It’s designed to provide robust safety now while remaining adaptable for the future. The Human Side of Flood Protection It’s easy to get lost in numbers and metres, but behind the design decisions are real people. Residents depend on reliable flood protection to feel secure in their homes and communities. For families, businesses, and local services, knowing a barrier is being built — even a slightly shorter one — provides peace of mind. It’s not just a structure; it’s a symbol of resilience and preparedness. Next Steps for the Barrier The Bridgwater project is still under construction, with the revised design undergoing final refinements. Once completed, the tidal barrier will provide long-term protection for thousands of properties and critical infrastructure in Somerset. Officials emphasize that the shortened design does not compromise safety. If anything, staying on budget ensures the project is completed faster, meaning protection arrives sooner for the community. A Lesson in Climate Adaptation The story of the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier is more than engineering or economics. It’s about how communities respond to climate risks and how governments make tough choices balancing safety, cost, and sustainability. The barrier being 10 metres shorter may seem small on paper, but it reflects a larger truth: infrastructure planning today is as much about community engagement, adaptability, and long-term resilience as it is about concrete and steel. By keeping people involved and making informed, cost-effective decisions, Somerset shows how towns can adapt to climate change without sacrificing safety. Conclusion The Bridgwater Tidal Barrier demonstrates that infrastructure projects in the 21st century must adapt to multiple pressures: climate change, financial constraints, and community expectations. While the barrier is slightly shorter than originally planned, it remains a critical line of defence against flooding. More importantly, it highlights the importance of public involvement, transparency, and strategic planning in building a resilient community. For Bridgwater residents, the message is clear: the tide may rise, storms may come, but with smart planning and community engagement, the town will be ready
By Muhammad Hassan5 days ago in Earth
Red Ice Part 1
Northern Greenland, 1831 Anak finished loading the last of his equipment into his dog sled. All of his dogs were barking loudly with excitement. They knew what time it was, they knew what was about to happen. It's the middle of March and ice covers the entire region. Around this time of year, Anak and the other hunters head out for their seasonal walrus hunt. He checked his sled one final time to ensure he had everything they needed. Then he went to check on the other hunters to see of they were ready.
By Stonecreek3 days ago in Earth
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