Angel was sprawled in front of the fire with Scamp. He was batting at a Christmas ornament that Junior was playing with, growling quietly.

Jim Dear and Darling were hanging ornaments on the tree, talking about the coming Christmas. Lady and Tramp were sitting close together nearby, just enjoying each other's presence.

Collette was sitting on the velvet footstool in front of the window with Danielle. The two were playing a game of I-Spy. Since her talk with Scamp, she'd been trying much harder to be more pleasant.

No one spoke of Annette, but Collette could feel the dull sadness overlapping what should be a happy time. The dogs were trying though, and healing was evident. Even the Tramp had made a few jokes on behalf of Junior's dirty diaper.

"It will be a wonderful Christmas." Darling said suddenly. She clapped her hands together. "I just know it!"

"It will be, Darling." Jim said, handing her a sparkling glass bulb. "I just wish that-"

Tramp stood with a thick snort. Everyone in the room turned to look at him. His ears were perked high. He stood tall.

"Tramp?" Jim Dear bent to the dog's level and petted his head.

Tramp ignored him. He hobbled to the front door and scratched on it, hard.

"Let me out, Jim." He barked, even though he knew Jim couldn't hear him.

Collette perked her ears. She knew what the old dog was hearing. One by one, everyone turned their heads to the door and stood.

"Annette..." Lady whispered disbelievingly.

There was no mistaking that bark. It was faint, and tired, but it was familiar.

"Let me out, Jim!" Tramp demanded frantically once more. Jim Dear obliged, and the dogs raced from the house, into the snowy night.

The barking grew louder. And then, there she was. Collette's chest lit with happiness. Annette tore down the driveway, with Kilian on her heel. She was surrounded in an instant.

"Annette!" Darling gasped. Her hand flew to her mouth in shock.

Everyone drew back slightly. Annette was covered from head to toe in scars and gashes, pink and raw.

"Annette, sweetheart, oh sweet puppy..." Jim bent down and ran his hand gently over her scarred neck. "What's happened to you?"

Annette whined and pressed her head into the man's hand. Her body shook. Her eyes were sparkling with joy.

"Jim Dear, there's two of them here." Darling interrupted quietly. The crowd parted then for Kilian. He stood awkwardly in the middle of the circle beside Annette, shuffling his paws on the ice.

Collette wanted nothing more at this time than to beg for her sister's forgiveness, and relish in the fact that she was alive. But she had to see what would become of Kilian first.

"He's hurt..." Darling pitied. "Jim Dear..."

Jim sighed and shook his head. "Really, Darling?"

Annette gasped, followed by the rest of the family. Kilian bowed his head.

"Do you think I'd leave this boy out here like this? Come on, everyone. Inside we go. It's cold."

The tension eased instantly into a staticy moment of pure happiness. Dog and human alike trooped into the house. Collette saw Kilian hesitate at the threshold, but Annette nudged him faithfully through.

When everyone had made it inside, the greetings began. It was a celebration. Jim Dear danced around the room with Junior while Darling phoned a vet to check the injured dogs over.

Every dog in the room took a turn nuzzling Annette and meeting Kilian. When Collette finally came face to face with her sister, she faltered. Could she really ask forgiveness for the way she'd acted.

The two sisters both blurted each other's name at the same time.

"You go first." Annette said. Collette noticed a change in the dog. She was more confident, in the way she talked, and stood. But she also had a wild look of fear in her eye. She'd seen things that Collette could never imagine.

"I'm so sorry, Annette, for everything." Collette spilled. Her eyes brimmed with tears. "I was selfish. I've wanted to ask for for your forgiveness, for so long..."

"Shh..." Annette pushed her head under her sister's chin. "Shh. It's okay."

Collette bit back a sob of relief.

"I've missed you." Annette whispered, and then pulled away, speaking louder. "I've missed you all."

"Tell us what happened, Annette." Scamp pried. "What happened to you?"

"I'll tell you." She breathed. "I'll tell you everything."

And there it is! The journey is over. I hope you guys liked it. :) I really loved writing this one, and I LOVED making personalities for the sisters, since they didn't have one at all...I think next time around I'll do one for Danielle. I've already got one planned out for her.