Migrating to Michigan by Jeffery L Schatzer Page A

don’t know,” said the professor as he checked his compass.
    â€œWhat do we do now?” I asked.
    â€œThe first thing we should do is to relax and not panic,” said the professor. “I’m sure the teleporter is nearby. I want the three of you to stay here while I go look for it.”
    â€œProfessor,” I said, “maybe I should have said something before, but I thought I saw a wolf following us. I don’t know, maybe it was just a big dog … maybe.”
    â€œOh, no!” Rachel cried. “I don’t like big dogs or wolves.”
    Mister Adams gave her a big hug, and she settled down a bit, but we were all starting to get scared.
    â€œIt will be okay,” said the professor. “I won’t be far. I’ll start a small fire. That should warm you up a bit. Plus, it will help to keep animals and bugs away.” The professor turned to Owen. “Can you tend the fire safely?”
    â€œI can, Professor,” Owen said proudly. “And, we’ll all take good care of Mister Adams.”
    The professor took some dry pine needles that were under the trees and protected from the rain. He quickly gathered up some twigs and small branches. Then he opened up his emergency pack and took out some matches. A small fire quickly came to life.
    Before leaving, the professor turned to his nephew. “Mister Adams, it is very important that you stay with your friends and not wander.”
    Mister Adams gave the yes sign. Then the professor started off to search for the teleporter.
    We huddled around the small fire and warmed our hands. Rachel started sniffling. It was easy to see that she was upset. The rain picked up a bit and the thick smoke got in our eyes. Owen watched the fire carefully. Now and then, he would gather up dead wood and throw it on the fire to keep it going. On one of his trips for firewood, Owen found a long sturdy branch that looked like a club.
    â€œDon’t worry,” Owen said when he returned to the fire. “The professor will find the teleporter soon. And, I’ve got this piece of wood I can use if a wolf comes around.”
    â€œYah, right,” Rachel said.
    Suddenly, we heard something crashing through the forest. Whatever it was, it was close and seemed to be heading toward us. Rachel, Mister Adams, and I huddled together. Owen picked up his club and bravely headed toward the sound. When he thought he was close, Owen got himself ready to strike.
    â€œIt’s me,” said the professor, “I found the teleporter.” He stepped out from behind some tall brush. It was just over the next hill. I don’t know how I missed it, but we’re safe now.”
    Owen ran to the professor’s side. “Am I ever glad to see you. For a minute there, I thought there was a wolf coming after us.”
    The professor roughed up Owen’s hair. “I’m pleased that I left you in charge of the fire,” Professor Tuesday said. “You kept everyone safe, and I found my way back by following the smoke.”
    Our spirits rose as we put out the fire and headed toward the teleporter. It was a close call. Little did we know that something really scary was about to happen.

A Close Call
The Professor’s Office—Today
    W hen we got to the top of the hill, we were all excited to see the teleporter again.
    Owen decided to keep his club as a souvenir of his trip to Copper Country. He held it in both hands as he followed the professor, Mister Adams, Rachel, and me into the teleporter cloud.
    We all realized something was wrong once we landed back in the professor’s office. A loud, low growling sound sent chills up and down my spine. We didn’t see it at first. Finally, we saw two eyes glowing in the dark corner on the far side of the room. Slowly, steadily, a wolf edged into the light, baring its teeth. Rachel and I screamed. We grabbed Mister Adams and ran behind the professor’s desk.
    Owen stepped