A quote: “Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.” ~~ Robert A. Heinlein

Yes, friends, another repeat. I return from vacation next week and original stories will resume! Let this inspire some new stories from you. As always, I look forward to reading them.

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“MAMAW!”

I was on the farside of the house tending the kitchen garden and Bethie’s high-pitched screech still made me wince.

Bethie rounded the corner, breathless, “Dusty’s gone! He doesn’t come when I call.”

“Calm down, girl. He might be off moping. Poor pup does that every time Jimmy’s out with Patrol.”

I remember when Jimmy first came home with Dusty … the tiny puppy curled inside Jimmy’s jacket. A little, lame runt rejected by his mom.

The two had that in common.

And just as when his dad brought him home here with us, Dusty thrived with Jimmy’s love and attention.

“Come on, Bethie,” I waved at her to follow and we walked down to the river, “I know you promised your cousin you’d watch over Dusty. So you gotta know his favorite place.”

The path wound through summer grasses into the cool shade of wetland trees. An old wood boat tied up to a small, makeshift dock. Countless hours Jimmy would go off fishing with Dusty sitting in the bow.

I made a sharp whistle and a furry head popped up, eyes expectant, looking for Jimmy.

I felt my heart thump. “You and me, pup. You and me.”

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Now, it’s your turn.
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. featured image, cropped, Adobe Stock standard license.