Lydia- The Pet Communicator (Wattys13- Finalist!)

Chapter 7

Lydia- The Pet Communicator

Chapter 7

“Lydia, my princess, please wake up.” I could hear my dad’s voice quavering with fear. I didn’t want to wake up; why couldn’t I just die? It was hard to face my father—I hated to see tears in his eyes. Lying on my bed, I slowly opened my eyes and prayed that whatever I saw would only be a bad dream.

“Daddy, I’m fine. Did Mom really go, or was it just a dream?” I asked quickly, holding back tears.

My father hugged me tightly and began to cry. I started crying, too. I had never seen my father cry before—he was a brave man, but today? It seemed as if his world had ended.

“You passed out, sweetie, and your mom left me for another guy. Lydia, was I that bad?” he said, as he sobbed.

“No, Dad, you’re the world’s greatest father. She was a loser, trust me,” I comforted him, wiping away his tears. He took a deep breath and cleared his throat.          

“Okay, enough of this crying. You haven’t eaten dinner yet, so we’ll both have it together. Is that okay?” I nodded and gave my father a weak smile. It was good that he was eating, too, since I wouldn’t eat if he didn’t.

My father soon came in with two plates of the food my mother had made earlier. He took a bite of apple pie and gulped it loudly; his lips quivered, indicating that he wanted to cry. I avoided eye contact with him and continued having my chicken soup.

“So, Dad, can you take me to the shelter after dinner?” I asked him. “I want to show you something.” I really needed something to distract him, so I’d devised a plan. My father nodded but didn’t look up.

We quietly finished our dinner. The food was delicious, but what was the use? I mean, who even was the guy who’d ruined my father’s life? I would have slit his throat on the spot.

After dinner, my dad helped me into the wheelchair. My body was throbbing with pain, which was more intense now, perhaps because I’d fallen on the ground earlier after passing out.

“Early in the morning tomorrow, Doctor Thomas will be coming for a visit. I told him you passed out, and even though I can’t see any signs of injury, it’s probably best that we check for bone fractures. Your health right now is delicate.”

“But I’m fine, Dad.”

“No buts, please, I am already very frustrated.” It was true—I had to agree with whatever he said to try to make him happy.

“Okay, President Peter. I will do whatever you say.” My father gave me a big smile that reached his eyes. At least I could still make him do that. “Okay, Dad, hurry and push my wheelchair to the shelter.” He nodded wordlessly, and off we went.

It was time to have some fun with the animals. I would inform them the whole situation, about whatever happened with us back at home and request all the pets to make my father laugh by doing funny acts, whichever was easy for them.

“Lydia! Are you okay?” Lucky barked as he ran toward us, into my room. “That evil woman made you pass out! She should be unhappy after hurting two lovely people like you both.”

“Aw, come here, little one. Don’t say that.” I bent down a little and played with his fur. He licked my feet in return, which tickled.

“Okay, guys, end your discussion and let’s move,” my dad demanded.

“Hey! Listen, Lucky, we have to make my dad laugh. Help me with that, okay?” I mumbled slowly.

“Okay, you can count on me,” Lucky woofed.