A CAST OF PAIN (Closed For Editing)

Chapter Four

"Gbam!" The door flung open, giving way as Cody's nose nudged it with a gentle tap. Lawrence stirred, roused by the sound of the door's knob grazing the wall. Cody's presence registered as he stood there, his dark eyes fixed on the slightly a jar entrance. Pawing hesitantly at the threshold, he hesitated before venturing into the room.

Cody padded over to the edge of the bed, his paws settling softly on the floor. He gazed at Lawrence, his eyes imploring attention even before a single sound escaped his mouth.

"Cody, could you give me a few minutes." He mumbled tiredly into his pillow. But Cody's whine grew louder."

"Cody, come on, today's my day off, you know that." But Cody wasn't having it.

Lawrence yawned, acknowledging Cody's persistence and the dawn's early light that filtered through the window. Moments passed, Cody's soft whines playing a gentle melody in the stillness of the room.

"Okay, buddy," Lawrence relented, "okay, he repeated, his voice a warm, whispered reassurance. "Today's your day, but I have to pray first okay ?"

With a decisive nod, Cody concurred and leaned in to give Lawrence's face a friendly lick.

He extended his hand, scratching Cody's head as he sat up and swung his legs out of bed. The room was bathed in the soft hues of morning, and Cody's wagging tail was a testament to his elation.

"Okay boy, go wait for me downstairs, I'll be down soon.

With a renewed burst of energy, Cody leaped off the bed, his paws skittering on the tiled floor as he left the room.

Lawrence chuckled at his exuberance, his eyes, shinning with mirth, followed the energetic dog out into the room before proceeding to go on his knees.

LAWRENCE'S POV

"He was a stray when I first met him a decade ago. Back then, I lived the solitary life, and never expected that I'd be having a dog to take care of. In the middle of a name search for him though, I found the name Cody and it clicked. He liked it too and lived true to his name, proving himself a constant companion during moments of isolation and some of my darkest days,when I lacked human friends or family.

He became a genuine source of comfort and support and I in turn showered him with all the affection I could give.

My friends often said that I treated him like a son. I would simply smile and nod because, to me, he was much more than a pet. Through my love and care, he transformed into a son-like figure, providing me with solace and companionship when I lost needed it."

"Well, that was until I met 'the one.' The one who became everything. Jesus."

After what seemed like eternity, I rose from my kneeling position. I felt my muscles gently protest as I stretched and sauntered to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

When I was done, I grabbed a black hoodie from my wardrobe and threw it on over the white shirt I was wearing. I then put on white Nike shorts and sneakers.

I felt a vibration on my palm as I proceeded to throw my phone into my pocket. I decided the message was one of those random messages from my network's service providers and made a mental note to confirm my assumption later in the day.

I slammed the door behind me and started descending the stairs to meet Cody standing by the door all ready.

"You don't want anything before we go ?" I asked because I expected he was hungry.

He continued to pant, and gazing into his sparkling eyes, I could sense his eagerness. His eager eyes darted between me and the door as he stamped his paws and paced around, eagerly anticipating our departure. I couldn't help but chuckle at his excitement.
"Okay, okay, were going," I said as I unlocked the door.

We soon found ourselves on the bustling street, jogging cautiously alongside the road to avoid colliding with fellow joggers and passersby. I glanced over at Cody, wanting to ensure he was enjoying himself. His joyful barks confirmed that he indeed was.

As we continued our run, we reached a familiar spot, causing me to slow my pace. We were now on the bridge, following the pedestrian walkway.

"Slow down, Cody," I gently instructed, and he obediently complied.

My previously slow and steady jog gradually transformed into a leisurely walk, my feet almost dragging to a halt. This was the very place where, years ago, I had contemplated a foolish and cowardly act, one that would have haunted me forever if not for a divine intervention-an angel sent to rescue me. I never had the chance to express my gratitude or even learn a name.

I used to come here regularly back then, hoping we would run into each other again just so I could say thank you. However, for some inexplicable reason, we never crossed paths again. It would be later and I'd realize that she had been there on that fateful day for a specific purpose. Yes, a she.

From then on, I could never view this bridge as an ordinary sight. Every time I passed it, I was reminded of the grave mistake I narrowly avoided, thanks to divine intervention. Her face was permanently etched into my memory, and I would remember her even in my dreams.

"If only I could be granted the chance to see her again, if only..." I started to think, but I pushed the thought aside.

"Let's go, Cody," I said, resuming our journey.
An hour later, the bridge had faded into the background as Cody and I reached the basketball court. This was our second hangout after a jog through the bridge, you would be surprised how good Cody is at it, basket ball.

We were still in the heat of the game ehen my phone vibrated, signaling an incoming call. I playfully tossed the ball to Cody, then checked the caller ID while he gleefully chased after it.

"Hello, P..." I answered cheerfully.

"Okay, Okay, I'll be there.

"Cody!" I called, signalling that we needed to leave.