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Roo'd Awakening

© Cederwyn Whitefurr

17th February, 2024

All Rights Reserved.

Amid a torrential downpour, the anthro buck Eastern Grey Kangaroo gripped the wheel, navigating winding roads with strained concentration. Lightning illuminated the night, revealing the silhouette of towering eucalyptus trees that lined the lonely country road. As he rounded a sharp corner, the headlights revealed a haunting scene – a kangaroo - its eyes wide and terrified, outlined by the headlights...

Riley shrieked, slamming a foot on the brakes as he spun the wheel hard over. The car skidded on the wet asphalt...

The crash echoed through the storm night. Riley's car sideswiped the kangaroo, the impact followed by an abrupt collision with the embankment. He lurched forward, head meeting the windscreen stanchion with a sickening thud. Darkness claimed him briefly, on to relent to a blurred, agonizing focus.

Bewildered, nauseated, and disoriented, Riley blinked away the haze, wiping a paw against the rivulet of blood that slid down the side of his head. The rhythmic pounding of the rain against the car's roof mingled with the equally intense sensations from within his chest. In a haze, he slapped the dashboard and, with more luck than skill, managed to activate the hazard lights. Their intermittent glow cut through the darkness like a distress signal.

He stumbled out of the car into the relentless downpour, almost instantly soaked to skin and bones, his clothing offering minimal protection. With his feet bare, Riley felt the runoff on the road splashing over him, soaking through his fur. Wobbling on unsteady feet, he gazed around, rainwater sluicing off his fur.

“No...no, no..." Riley whimpered, his chest tightening as he beheld the motionless figure of the kangaroo, sprawled on the road. The weight of guilt pressed heavily upon him, a lump forming in his throat.

To his distress, she still clung to life. Desperation spurred Riley into action, a surge of adrenaline overcoming him as he tore open the damaged back door. Sparing a glance at the crushed panel on the door and hind quarter of his car, he snatched a large blanket off the back seat. With a mix of urgency and tenderness, he covered the kangaroo, his tears mingling with the rainwater that slid down his cheeks, cradling it in his arms before gently maneuvering it into the back seat and shutting the door.

Tears streamed down Riley's muzzle, as he raced through the stormy knight, the strobing of his hazard lights he'd inadvertently left on echoing the urgency of his situation. The vet's clinic emerged like a beacon in the darkness, and Riley barely stopped his car, before he crashed through the doors, hysterical and nearly uncontrollable.

Despite the Vet's best efforts, the kangaroo's life slipped away, her last moment, placing a paw on Riley's forearm, looking up at him, before her final breath.

“I'm sorry," Whispered the human vet, shaking her head. She hesitated, her eyes reflecting the sadness she felt. “She's gone..."

The silence that followed was punctuated only by the steady drumming of the rain against the clinic windows.

Riley, beside himself with grief, pressed his head against her chest, his right paw curling as he beat the operating table again and again. The vet, emotional and empathetic, understanding the weight of this moment, offered solace to the devastated kangaroo whose grief was so pure and primal. As Riley's tears mixed with the rainwater on his fur, he gasped in agony as the vet gently touched his neck, offering sympathy.

“Woah, easy, you're hurt..." Gasped the startled vet. “Gods, why didn't you tell one of us – what..."

Riley's heart shattered like crystal, his inward self-hatred and rage consuming him, for what he'd done.

If only I hadn't driven home... if only I'd been slower, more cautious, just, if, if, if...

“You're hurt, please – let us help you," the vet urged, placing a comforting hand on Riley's shoulder. “It's alright. She's not hurting anymore."

The words hung in the air, echoing hollowly. Riley's gaze remained fixed on the deceased doe, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

“No!" Riley screamed, his frustration and self-loathing tearing him apart, as he reached up and tore at his ears with his claws, trying to contain the storm within him. “I did not..."

The vet, empathetic and patient, exchanged a knowing glance with the nurse, recognizing the internal struggle in the anthropomorphic kangaroo before them.

His voice wavered, the weight of what had transpired settling heavily on his shoulders. The internal battle between self-condemnation and the desperate need for redemption and forgiveness raged within him.

Riley blinked, the echoes of his emotional outburst still reverberating in the air. He snapped his head around, eyes wide and fearful, only to witness the nurse deftly slipping the hypodermic out of his shoulder, he hadn't even felt it...

With a moan, Riley staggered, the vet and nurse moving up beside him. He shook his head, spraying water everywhere, his eyes becoming glass and unfocused. Little did he know that the night held more challenges, and the unforgiving storm outside would soon be mirrored by the tempest within.

“What... did you... do - “ Riley placed a paw against his head, swaying and blinking slowly. “No, please..."

He swayed forward then back, and if it wasn't for the two humans, he'd have surely fallen to the clean, sterile floor. Gently, they caught him and half carried, half dragged him to another table, where they worked through the night to save another life.

His...

*

Riley moaned softly, the sterile scent of the room he was in, momentarily confusing him as he struggled in the relentless grip of the anesthesia, despite the countering drug administered after they'd finished operating. A dim light suffused the room, illuminating the quiet, secluded space where he found himself lying on a portable cot. As his focus returned, the rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor resonated in the background, echoing the steady beat of his heart.

His eyes fluttered open, before closing and reopening as they adjusted to the soft illumination. The dull ache in his head pulsed in time to the monitor, and the weight of the bandages around his head hinted at the extensive care he'd received.

As awareness returned, Riley groggily surveyed the room. The air was air-conditioned, cool, but not cold, the only movement the groggy anthropomorphic kangaroo could perceive was the occasional shift of the shadows. A nearby monitor displayed vital signs, assuring him that life persisted beyond the realm of his drug-infused dreams.

As the door quietly opened, Riley whimpered, the bright fluorescent light flooding over him. A human figure emerged, then quickly closed the door behind him with a quiet purpose. As Riley struggled to perceive, his hearing heard the soft murmur of voices and the rustling of papers before the door shut with finality.

Riley tried to speak, but his parched throat betrayed him with a hoarse whisper. The human woman turned towards him, a comforting smile breaking through her clinical appearance.

“Easy there," the nurse said, holding a cup of water to his lips. “Take it slow."

The cool liquid provided relief, and Riley gratefully sipped, feeling the soothing trickle down his throat. The nurse continued her assessment, checking his bandages and monitoring the readouts on the nearby equipment, before gently rolling his left arm over and pressing her fingers against the fur of his wrist. Watching her wristwatch, she remained quiet, until she finished, then turned off the machines.

“How are you feeling?" she inquired, her voice a reassuring presence in the subdued quiet of the room. “Probably a silly question, I know -"

Riley, still navigating the fog of post-surgery haze, managed to waggle a paw at her. The pain was present, but dulled, overshadowed by the sense of relief, against all odds, survived the ordeal.

As the nurse concluded her examination, the room returned to its quiet vigil. The dim light, more for her sake and safety, than his own, persisted, offering a tranquil ambiance that belied the chaos of the stormy night. Riley, despite the physical discomfort, felt a shiver of gratitude for the caregivers, amid darkness, who had worked tirelessly to ensure his survival.

“Oh, I got good news," smiled the nurse. “Her joey is beautiful, healthy, and safe. Not a mark on his precious little body. It'll be a few days before he's going to take to the artificial kangaroo formula – but he's a strong little fellow."

Riley croaked incoherently and blinked. With the soft hum of medical equipment serenading him, Riley allowed the pull of exhaustion to guide him back into a deep slumber, hopeful that each passing moment brought him closer to recovery.

*

As Riley gradually regained strength in the quiet room, he felt a profound sense of responsibility settling over him. He suffered terrible memories of the tragic incident that'd haunted his thoughts, and as he reflected on the life lost that stormy night, a determination to find redemption took root within him.

One evening, as the dim light bathed the room in a soft glow, Riley found himself in the presence of the empathetic vet who had comforted him during those first moments of grief. The vet, sensing the weight on Riley's shoulders, spoke gently.

“You've been through a lot, Riley. Healing will take time, physically, and emotionally."

Riley pushed himself up the bed slightly, his eyes haunted, before he nodded in acknowledgment. The silence lingered, broken only by the quiet hum of the air conditioner.

Then, with a deep breath that made him shudder, Riley spoke, his voice still carrying the echoes of pain and remorse. “I want to do something. Something to honor her memory and, maybe, to find a way to...atone."

With a blink, the vet listened, a slight frown crossing her face. “Riley? No, it's not your fault, it was an accident. Please, do not blame yourself for that unforeseeable tragedy. As you may, or may not know, there's a joey, a tiny eastern grey kangaroo – just like you. Well, I mean – not – like you exactly. His mother, unfortunately, won't be able to care for him anymore. He needs someone, like him, who can provide the love and guidance, only a parent can give."

Riley swallowed, then his eyes widened, as they met the vet's, and in that moment, a silent understanding passed between them. The vet smiled and laid a hand gently on Riley's forearm.

“Raising the joey might be the way to finding that redemption you're seeking," she spoke quietly, giving a comforting caress to his forearm.

A mixture of determination and fresh sorrow filled Riley's eyes. “I'll do it. I'll raise the joey. It's the least I can do."

*

As the days passed, Riley's recovery progressed, and his commitment to the orphaned joey strengthened. He spent hours with the nurse when she could spare the time, learning about kangaroo care, and seeking guidance from the vet and the compassionate clinic staff.

One morning, a small blanket-wrapped bundle of fur was placed in Riley's arms – the orphaned joey. The connection between them was instant as if fate had intervened to bring them together. In that quiet room, in the dim light to protect their eyes, Riley gently stroked the finely furred baby with a finger, committing to be the parent it had lost.

The joey, oblivious to the tragedy that had brought them together, nuzzled at Riley's chest, as he cuddled it close, feeling that small tongue licking him, the joey finding comfort and warmth in the pouch that had become its new home. Riley's gentle heartbeat quickly lulled the joey into a restful sleep, Riley cradling it like it was the most fragile thing in the world.

*

Days turned to weeks and into months, and Riley's slow but gradual recovery, both physically and mentally, proceeded apace. He received regular visits to the vet for checkups, along with the joey that bonded to him like glue. Riley cleared the debt with the vet – who in turn helped with free consults and checkups of Riley's adopted offspring, offering advice and assistance as the young buck continued to learn about this new facet of his life.

*

Riley would often lay naked on his bed, cradling the young joey in the crook of one arm, him laying on his back as Riley bottle-fed him. When the youngster was finished, Riley toileted him and held open the artificial pouch, the young joey eagerly climbing inside and then tumbling head over heels until he wriggled into a comfortable position and went to sleep, snuggling close against Riley's chest.

Time flew by, and one day, Riley gently tumbled the Joey out of the pouch, letting him explore the new world around him. On quivering hind legs, the youngster wobbled and often tumbled, getting back up and learning more through instinct, how to hop. The first tentative hop was disastrous, the young Joey's tendons like powerful springs he'd yet learned to control. Riley watched and encouraged the youngster, moving a little further away each day – the young joey hopping after him.

Their affection and bond grew and developed, ending each night with a comforting warm bottle and snuggling against Riley's chest fur before the youngster fell asleep and Riley would slip him carefully into the hanging pouch.

“Not much longer now, little one," Riley murmured one night, tenderly stroking the youngster's ears. “You won't need the comfort and safety of your pouch, you've come such a long way..."

Those beautiful brown eyes, the slender paws on either side of his head, opened and looked up, the warmth and trust in that look, implicit and unbreakable. Truly, Riley had become bonded to the joey, and the joey, in turn, bonded to him.

*

It wasn't until three years had passed, that their bond went from an adoptive parent, into a guide and friend. Riley watched as the eager, healthy young buck bounded around Riley's spacious backyard – his hops sure and steady. Riley watched, his heart filled with warmth and love before the eager buck bounded over and playfully wrestled with Riley. Riley played with him, the young buck making all kinds of grunts, growls and even playfully kicking at Riley. When the fun turned a little rougher, Riley grunted and the youngster immediately crouched and coughed in submission, gazing up at his adoptive parent, until Riley relented and gently ruffled his ears.

*

In the midst of their shared history, as the joey transitioned from a gangly, stumbling baby taking its first tentative hops – into the sweet, gentle buck he became – still lanky, but with potential. Riley sprawled with the young buck snuggled against his belly and chest, idly stroking and petting the sleepy young buck.

Under the comforting shade of a great eucalyptus tree in the backyard, Riley and the young buck explored new dimensions of their relationship. The youngster, now more confidant and completely loyal, twisted his head back to gaze into Riley's eyes, Riley in turn, playfully licked him on the forehead.

“You've come such a long way," Riley smiled, continuing his gentle stroking. “I'm so proud of you!"

Riley decided it was time to impart the art of foraging. With a gentle touch, he nudged a freshly fallen oak leaf over before the curious young buck.

“Go on, pick it up." Riley encouraged him gently.

Not understanding a word, the youngster blinked and trying to emulate Riley's gestures, grew frustrated, lacking the dexterity Riley possessed. Patiently, Riley picked it up and held it out to him.

“Here, like this..." Riley gently coaxed him.

Clasping it between his paws, the youngster sniffed at it, then began chewing on the stem rather than the leaf itself. Riley, instead of scolding him, chuckled and gently took it back, turning it around.

“Like this, see? You nibble the green leafy part, not the stem, the leaves are much sweeter." Riley demonstrated, pretending to take a bite, and then holding it back out. Once more, the youngster grabbed at the leaf and began nibbling, ripping parts of it and chewing thoughtfully.

“That's it, you'll get the hang of it!" Riley smiled, once more gently caressing and stroking the youngster.

This shared experience became yet another symbol of their evolving connection. This young buck, now more adept and curious, occasionally made mistakes, but with each error, their bond only strengthened. Riley's patience and guidance continued to shape their relationship, turning each teaching moment into a cherished memory, even as the youngster continued his own path toward maturity.

*

Three years had passed since Riley first cradled the orphaned joey in his arms. Their bond had deepened in that time, evolving into a connection that brought warmth to Riley's heart, and a deep, passionate love for the orphan he'd raised. The once tiny bundle of fur had grown into a healthy and energetic young buck, his hopping sure and playful in the spacious backyard that Riley had adapted to suit his adopted son.

As the days blended into weeks, then months, Riley couldn't escape the inevitable truth – the joey needed his freedom – to be reintroduced into the wild, where he belonged. Despite Riley's love for the joey – and in his animalistic way – reciprocated towards his adoptive parent, Riley knew his duty and time as caregiver included preparing the young kangaroo for life in his natural habitat.

Long after the young buck had fallen asleep on Riley's bed, a bed he'd shared all his life, Riley slipped out and stood on the cold, night-kissed grass, gazing up at the sky, tears starting to well in his eyes.

The decision weighed heavily on Riley's shoulders. He never wanted this to happen, he thought he'd remain detached and not uncaring, but not fall so deeply and heavily into a relationship that meant so much to him. This orphan wasn't just an orphan – it was as if it was truly – his son. The bond they shared was palpable, and it tore at Riley's heart to consider breaking it. Yet, he understood that this was what the orphan deserved – a chance to live freely amongst his own kind. His tears slid down his cheeks, Riley dropped to his knees, clutching his head in his paws as he gave into the pain and grief that filled him...

*

A few days later, after his breakdown, Riley approached the vet who had guided him through the challenging times. Dr. Thompson listened empathically, understanding the struggle in Riley's voice, frequently handing over tissues. In the privacy of her office, Riley broke down, again and again, his grief raw and deep. Dr. Thompson suggested a 'soft release', a method to gradually reintroduce the young kangaroo to the wild.

Together, mostly from her perspective and experiences, they devised a plan. They identified a nearby wildlife reserve with a suitable environment and other youngsters, for the orphan to bond with and learn from, whilst Riley would spend time in the reserve with his orphan, letting it explore the surroundings, gradually reducing their interactions.

*

The day of the soft release arrived. Riley and the sedated orphan arrived at the sanctuary. Carefully, Riley lifted the young buck out and set him down on the ground, in the shade of a large eucalyptus tree. Dr. Thompson injected the young buck with a reversal agent, then left Riley and the youngster alone. After a few moments, the youngster fully woke, rising and shaking himself, as he hopped around curiously, his brown eyes confused, yet filled with wonder as well.

Riley, conflicted, his lips quivering, took a step backward, allowing his orphan more time to explore. Tears began to well in his eyes, as the youngster bounded back towards him, wanting cuddles and reassurances.

“No..." Riley whimpered, holding his paws out and shaking his head. “No, my beloved companion – you need to be free..."

Not understanding, the youngster gripped Riley's legs, growling and uttering heart-wrenching vocalizations.

“I said no!" Riley snapped at it. “Go...please..."

Riley forcibly turned away, unable to bear the look or hear the cries of his companion, as he walked away. Dr. Thompson held her arms out, gently enfolding Riley, who burst into hysterical tears, her slowly leading him out, the other keeper quietly closing the gate behind them.

“I'll..." Riley sobbed, his voice choked with his emotions. “Never - “

Dr. Thompson comforted the sobbing buck as best she could, gently stroking his neck and holding him tight.

“You never do..." she whispered quietly. “Each one, takes a piece of our hearts – forever..."

END