"Today is the spring equinox," Dog said to Nefertiti and Tutankhamen. "It says here in this book I am reading that here in Edmonton, spring will arrive at 3:24 in the afternoon, right about the time kids get out of school. I guess that means it will be 4:24 in Winnipeg. I didn't know that it had such a precise time."
Dog imagined that Nefertiti nodded with interest. Dog wished she would reply.
Dog went on, "That doesn't mean it is warm enough for things to grow here, but it does mean that today there are equal hours of daylight and darkness. And from now until the summer solstice, the daylight hours will increase."
Dog turned another page in his book 'Spring is Coming.' Dog read about animals that hibernate.
"You know what?" Dog said excitedly, "It says that animals like hedgehogs start waking up around this time. Amphibians like Frog and retiles like T1 and T2 need more warmth, so they will get up later."
Dog heard a sound and paused to listen. Dog put the book down. There was a gentle snuffling sound. Dog looked at Nefertiti. She was quiet and still, like always. Dog looked at Tutankhamen. He was also quiet and still. There was more snuffling.
Slowly Dog realized what was happening.
Dog jumped off the chair, flinging the book up into the air.
"I think Hedgehog is waking up!" Dog exclaimed.
Dog ran around in circles, as dogs will do, then flew out the door.
"HEDGEHOG!" Dog called, "ARE YOU THERE?"
"Ummmm hhummmmm," came from under the woodpile. A somewhat dazed Hedgehog peered out. Hedgehog had sunglasses on. After months in darkness, the sun was very, very bright.
(Can you see Hedgehog?)
Dog came farther out of the house to see around the corner.
Hedgehog waddled slowly out. Hedgehog's leg muscles were a bit stiff and needed some limbering up, although, limber or not, hedgehogs aren't really speedy at the best of times.
What a joyful reunion! Dog jumped and circled and tried to lick Hedgehog. That was not a good idea; hedgehogs are hard to lick safely. Hedgehog was a bit groggy but was very happy to see Dog.
"Are you hungry?" Dog asked, remembering that Hedgehog's last meal was at Christmas.
Dog ran inside the house without waiting for the answer.
Dog returned with carrots.
"Start with these carrots," Dog said, " I will make you some spaghetti to fill you up."
Hedgehog was indeed very hungry! Hedgehog ate the carrots, including the greens.
When Dog brought out the spaghetti and salad, Hedgehog eagerly went to work.
Dog talked while Hedgehog ate. Dog told Hedgehog about the long, lonely time, about looking at seed catalogues, and about various research projects. Just as Dog was starting the shopping on-line story, Hedgehog ate the last mouthful.
"Thank you, Dog, " said Hedgehog, "I am now very satisfied."
"Come on inside," Dog said, "I have a few things to show you. And I have so much to tell you. By golly, it is great to have you back!"
Dog and Hedgehog went into the faerie house.
Behind the door I could hear Dog say, "Hedgehog, this is Nefertiti and Tutankhamen. What do you think? Did you know that Nefertiti was a queen in the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt? And Tutankhamen became king when he was 9 years old?"
I think if you put your ear close to the faerie house you will still hear Dog talking. Good thing Hedgehog has sunglasses: Dog won't notice if Hedgehog's eyes close now and then.
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