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Awake at night Quote by Karen Robards

“Sometimes, in prison, when he’d been lying awake at night staring at the bunk over his head, Johnny had thought that he missed Wolf most of all. Wasn’t that a damned sad commentary on his life? The dog whined again. Knowing he was being ridiculous, that he was liable to lose the hand at the wrist…” quote by Karen Robards
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““Sometimes, in prison, when he’d been lying awake at night staring at the bunk over his head, Johnny had thought that he missed Wolf most of all. Wasn’t that a damned sad commentary on his life? The dog whined again. Knowing he was being ridiculous, that he was liable to lose the hand at the wrist when the animal charged, Johnny nonetheless took a step forward,holding out his fingers for sniffing. “Wolf? Come here, boy.” Incredibly, the huge animal sank to its belly and slunk forward, behaving as if it wanted to believe but feared a cruel trick. Johnny dropped to his knees to greet it, his hands reaching out, burrowing in the coarse hide, stroking and scratching as the dog whined and licked and pawed him and butted him with its head. “Ah, Wolf,” he said as he accepted the truth at last, that this one thing that he had loved had been spared in order to greet him. Then, as the big head snuggled into his lap, he wrapped his arms around the dog’s thick neck and buried his face against the animal’s side. For the first time in eleven years, he wept.””

Karen Robards

About This Quote

Source novel: The Wolf's Return, 2023

In prison, Johnny reconnects with his dog Wolf, finding comfort and grief, revealing deep loyalty and loss.

In simple terms: Man finds solace with his dog.

Key Takeaway

Embrace connections that heal.

Themes

loss loyalty redemption

Mood

melancholic hopeful

Type

narrative emotional

When to use this quote

  • prison life
  • rehabilitation
  • personal healing

Key Concepts

attachment grief compassion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does Wolf symbolize for Johnny?
  • How can animals aid emotional recovery?
A Different Perspective

Healing may be temporary.

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