Control

Hungry Like the Wolf- 2020 Remaster - Hidden Citizens

Control

Lost. Hunger. Fear.

Control is not from the woods, born into a lavish life pampered love and affection. Never knowing the hardships of the outside world, he had everything. Food. Shelter. Even toys, which would get destroyed soon enough, much to his master's dismay, but they loved him. Or did love him. Everything was perfect, everything was right, up until the exact moment it wasn't. When he woke up in a small, dark box, being hauled away from everything that made his life wonderful.

This isn't right. This is a mistake. 

So he sang, oh how they loved his singing, hoping it was some misguided nightmare that would end in the loving embrace of his masters. As the songs grew more sullen, more frightened, the night got colder, the night got darker, and eventually the hum of what ruined his life out-sang his songs. Maybe all he had was too good to be true, that in due time everything was to go away. Maybe it was time to give up. Maybe this nightmare was his new reality. Karma came to collect her debts.

Life wouldn't be that simple, would it? With a deafening screech, blinding pain and metallic smells that peppered the air, life reminded Control she was in control. 

For the first time in his life, he was alone. Alone. In a forest, the same forest which was the culprit behind the plaguing nightmares he got as a pup, which would call for his masters to come and comfort him, tell him it's going to be alright. You're safe. Control didn't feel safe. He felt lost.

In the coming week Control ran, no sprinted trying to find his old life. Running worked for the first few days. Worked until the bottoms of his paw pads left behind streaks of red on the rocky surface below. Worked until he stumbled into a frightening chorus of rushing water, plastering his fur down and chilling him to the bone. Now he could just limp, it's all he could do. He needed to get back home. Needed to get back home because an unfamiliar feeling had settled in his stomach, gnawing at the sides of his flank. Control knew what this was. This was hunger.

Many nights had passed, Control began to feel uncertain. Surely if this was a mistake his masters would've come and found him. They loved him, didn't they? They would come for him. He just needed to go a little further, they could be over that ridge. Or maybe past that boulder. Could they be back at the beginning, should he head back? Could he find his way back there? No, he should continue forward, they'll come soon. 

Eventually his paws gave out on him. Three times he tried to get back up, each one sapping whatever energy he had left. He was so tired. He was so lost. He was so hungry. And he couldn't get up. For the first time in his life, he was so scared.

Maybe if he closed his eyes, take a short rest, his masters would be there, with their comforting words and soft hands brushing his fur. They'll be here when he wakes up.

It wasn't the low hum of his master's words or the soothing touches that awoke him, it was the smell of something incredible. It was difficult to lift his head, settling for opening his eyes, which took longer than it should've. But Control was rewarded with the sight of.....some creature... he didn't know what it was but that didn't matter. His stomach roared at the smell, it overtook any other senses. Using whatever energy the sight of food sparked within him Control devoured the small creature, not savoring any taste. And oh the taste, it was similar to the food his masters gave him but a thousand times better. So engrossed in making sure nothing was going to waste, it took a few seconds for Control to register a barley audible *huff* that sounded in front of him. 

Looking up, he could recognize the silhouette of....another creature... before him. Eyes adjusting to the morning light, Control made out the creature looked similar to himself, although bigger and much stronger looking, immediately causing him to shrink back to the ground. The wolf let out another huff, though this one sounded....amused. 

"I would ask if you enjoyed the food, but it seems you answered the question already". The wolf spoke softly, and Control was immediately comforted by hum of her voice. Reminded him of home. 

With a cocked head, the wolf stared intently at Control. "Something is different about you. You are both wolf and not." Something in her gazed flashed by in a second, and If Control had enough energy to comprehend the intent behind it he would've, but he was so tired. 

"If you would be willing, come with me. I know where you can get more food like that. Once you're stronger, you can thank me by telling me your name." The wolf walked over to Control's side and looked down at him. Her eye's shined like the leaves catching the rays of light. Nodding, and taking a couple tries to get his paws to cooperate, he finally stood. 

Leaning against her shoulder for support, Control lifted his head a little bit taller, and together they made their way through the woods.