It all started on Tuesday. A boring, dull, normal Tuesday. The swimming pool water had slightly frothy waves since the wind was giving it a good slap in the face for how still it had been over the past few days.

I was fine with that.

Emily was chasing Huia around the house again. She’d been doing it for days. Every morning I would wake up to see Huia as just a blur as he went past my white bedroom door with Emily following close behind, laughing her head off as if he was a seagull. Usually, afterwards, Huia would curl up and fall fast asleep in his dog bed, even though he just slept the whole night perfectly, not moving a tuft of fur in his dreamless periods of sleep. How do I know this, you say, I’ll tell you that later. It’s not important right now is it? Emily does the same but instead a short nap on the nut brown leather couch.

Over a warm and snuggly lunch in front of the fire, eating mince and cheese pies, Mum briefly discussed with us if we would like to go on the walk, Orewa Te Ara Tahuna. We were soon in the car, wrapped up in warm hiking clothes. The wind had died down and the rain had stopped hitting the roof with its stingy, water eye drops.

It was 1:00 by the time we reached the walk. It was very sunny and hot which led to us getting very sweaty in the clothes we wore. The farmland looked beautiful with the ends of all the long grass tipped with a single drop of clear and cold water. But, as soon as I turned my gaze away from the view, I realized not one member of my family was in sight.

started to panic. Even though I was 11, I did not like the idea at all of being alone, by myself, and not knowing what to do. My first instinct told me to stay put. I learned it in primary school. I did. But the longer I stayed still, the longer I wanted to start moving. Suddenly a voice came from behind me:

“Oh, here you are. I thought you’d get lost again, you always do”.

I spun around to find Huia a few steps away from me.

“Huia! What the heck are you doing here boy, but boy oh boy am I happy to see you!” I exclaimed.

“Wait bu-”

“Yes, I’m waiting!” said a voice.

“Who said that,” I shouted.

“Me!” said Huia.

“Come on Amber, you really think I’m a normal dog?”

I stared down at Huia.

“You speak?!” I remarked.

“Yes,” said Huia.

He said it as if it was no big deal, but it really was a big deal. A talking dog? Never heard of it? Well, 10 seconds later it was heard of.

“ There are other dogs like me,” said Huia.

“Now, as I was saying, why do you think your Mum is always, I mean it, always, by my side? Why do you think your sister chases me, like every single day? I will answer that question because I have a gift for causing trouble. Amber, I am not a normal dog and I am trusting you as well as every other member of your family with this secret. Can I trust you with it as well?”

“Sure, maybe,” I mumbled.

“What did I just hear?” Huia said.

“Sure, yes you can trust me,” I said more confidently.

“ Okay. Now, since you’ve said that we can start walking towards your family, it’s not safe around here,” Huia announced.

“Mum, Dad, Emily!” I shouted.

As recognisable figures came to view, Huia barked.

So you’ve heard it. That day was one of the most interesting days of my life, and I have kept that secret. Can you? I hope you can because otherwise, I’ll be in a lot of trouble.