Welcome to Tuesday Tales. The word this week is "tiny." We're back with more from "Two of Hearts." I hope you enjoy this snippet. Scroll down to go back to Tuesday Tales and the excellent stories there. Thanks for stopping by.
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Not usually
afraid to be out after dark, Jen’s nerve kicked up as she harnessed Willie for
the late-night walk. Marcy had agreed to stay with Stan while Jen took care of
the dog. Finally, a reason to be grateful Stan’s daughter had showed up.
Alone in the small
townhouse Stan owned, Jen missed her husband. If something broke down, she’d
have to get it fixed herself. With no one to rely on, Jen would have to be responsible.
What if someone tried to break in? A
chill swept through her.
Anxious to get outside after being cooped up alone
for most of the day, Willie bounded down the stairs. Despite his nine years, he
was still spry. The chubby pug wiggled his way down the street, tugging Jen
along behind him. Not used to walking him after dark, Jen eyed every shadow
with suspicion. A woman alone had to be vigilant –that’s what Stan would say.
She comforted herself with the notion that she
wouldn’t be alone for long. When they brought Stan out of the coma, he’d be
home with her soon after. Stan hated hospitals, invalids, and being sick.
Grouchy beyond belief with a simple cold, Jen shuddered to think how
ill-tempered he’d be when he woke up in the intensive care. Quick to chastise
herself, she knew that a bad-tempered Stan was better than no Stan. Think positive. She lectured herself to
be optimistic. But with so little information from the doctors, it was
impossible to count on the best outcome.
The sidewalk was empty, her footsteps echoed off
the buildings. Leafy trees, still heavy with rain, drooped a bit. Although the
worst of the storm was over, everything the rain had touched glistened in the
light of the street lamps.
Lost in thought, she
didn’t see anything until Willie jerked the leash from her hand and ran ahead.
“Willie! Come back!” She ran after him. He’d
stopped to sniff a tiny pug and wag his tail.
“You,” the man said.
Jen looked up at him. It was the same man from that
morning. And his pug. What was her name?
“Willie,” she said to him.
“Willie,” she said to him.
“And she’s Queenie.”
“Oh, right. Queenie.”
“I’m Terry,” he said, extending his hand.
“Jen.” She shook it, avoiding his gaze as she
watched the dogs.
Willie shook his tail with a fury she’d never seen
before. The dog was obviously gaga over this other pug. She smiled, despite the
train wreck that was her life. Willie was funny. He tried to mount the smaller
dog.
“No! Willie! Stop that!” Jen yanked him back.
“Uh, uh, Willie. No sex without dinner and a movie
first,” Terry said, wagging his finger at the pooch. It was a feeble joke and
Jen tried to laugh, but only managed a smile.
“Nothing to worry about. He’s fixed,” she said.
“Oh, right. Of course. I love the way they say
that, ‘fixed’. Like a normal male is broken, or something.”
Well done. Love that last line.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great snippet! And that last line was classic!
ReplyDeleteI love the reaction between the two pugs and the two humans. Their uncomfortable banter is perfect. Great job!
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to her for the anguish she feels. The pugs add just the perfect levity.
ReplyDeleteLove the humor - these lines made me laugh:
ReplyDelete"Uh, uh, Willie. No sex without dinner and a movie first,” Terry said, wagging his finger at the pooch.
“Oh, right. Of course. I love the way they say that, ‘fixed’. Like a normal male is broken, or something.”
LOL- Great snippet
I love the part the two pugs are playing in the story. Great job!
ReplyDelete