Fanficwriter01's Anthology (Completed)

A Surprise (2022)

It was New Years Eve, and the weather was set to be pleasantly warm despite the weatherman's prediction to be hot.

Tonight Sarah Lockwood, young woman was home, rather than go with her friends to visit the gardens near Adelaide Bridge, and most of her family was away on a trip, she'd opted to stay in with her elderly grandmother, and had chosen to preparing  pork chops, with vegetable salad for dinner. 

Her grandmother, Lara, was down the road at the liquor store to buy bubbly alcohol before it closed for the night, Ten minutes it was taking longer than expected. It must be the crowds of people doing last minute shopping, and drivers on the road.

Little did she know a little surprise coming in store in a box.

Fifteen minutes later, she became a little worried, and debated whether she should call her grandmother to check up on her, when she heard the familiar sound of an engine come up the driveway and stop. Then the sound of a door opening and shutting two times. Grandmother must be home. A pair of footsteps came up to the front door and ring the doorbell.

Lara's hands must be full.  She thought as she took off her apron, and set it on the back of pantry hook. 

"Coming!"

Sara walked to the door and opened it to reveal her grandmother, Lara, juggling a paper bag of bottles, groceries and a large cardboard box. Although curious what was inside, she quickly took the bags from her, earning a small thank you  and let elder woman inside, and locked the door behind them. grandmother took the box into the living room, and set it down on the carpet. 

Lara apologized for being so late and told her about the liquor store was absolutely packed, but was able to get the last of the wine before they sold out, quick groccery run, and caught in traffic. she would've contacted her but road rules these days forbid drivers from being on phone. Sarah was a bit worried but understand can't help it when so close to new years. Thought of cardboard box.Curious what was in there, but trusted her to tell in her own time.

After an early dinner, strange rustling sounds came from the box. her grandmother excused herself to check on the box. Later she called Sarah in and sat down in the living room, box close to their slippered feet. 

Finally, Sarah couldn't hide curiosity anymore, and asked her grandma what was in the box. Soft smile. "Ah, I was waiting until you asked. While I was out got a little something special for New Years gift for you. Open it."

Sarah saw there was no tape across the top, lifted up the top to reveal small little canine's head popped out, with chocolate brown eyes, little button nose, and golden fur, with a red ribbon around it's neck.  A puppy. Labrador receiver breed. 

How did she get this. It must've been expensive.

Her grandmother shook her head. " A few weeks ago a  friend of mine from pet store was looking for new homes for a litter of puppies, and I thought of you. Knew how much you loved dogs, and always wanted one. He offered to give little one for free.  Finalised the paperwork earlier this afternoon. He is your new companion.  "

Tears welled up in Sarah's eyes, and touch of warmth filled her heart. Grandmother. Pulled her grandmother into a hug,  and the new friend cocked his head curiously. earning a chuckle from them both. Sarah picked him up, and sat on her lap. Looked up at them both, with a doggy grin. Tiny tail wagging frantically 

"What are you going to name him?"

Looked into the puppy's eyes and a name popped into her head, a soft smile graced her lips, and she said.

"Ezio."

that night, grandmother and her grandmother sat in backyard chairs, with new canine companion watching sparks soar up into the sky, and burst into many colors. Better way to start a new year with a new friend.

THE END

A/N: Thank you all for your patience and for reading and voting support for previous chapters. Earlier this week I started getting cold, (I took one of home test kits and got negative result for Cov-19.)  and trying to rest where I can. Hoping to feel better by the start of the weekend. Unfortunately I didn't write anything new, so thought I'd post one of pieces from a writing exercise.