The Decision

Chapter 2 - Your Sweet Distraction

Chapter 2 - Your Sweet Distraction

After speed walking non stop for twenty minutes, I finally reached home. Surprisingly I wasn’t even short of breath; I assumed my body just got used to the unchanged route I made to and from work.

I noticed the sky had gone almost black since I began my journey; the glittering stars hiding away from the darkness that invaded the higher atmosphere. The tepid air had turned bitterly cold for a spring evening.

I trampled up the few steps to my front door and slotted the key into the lock, twisting it clockwise and releasing the bolt that kept my home secure. As the door closed behind me, I heard clattering noises coming from the kitchen. I took a few steps forward into the hallway and noticed the noises getting closer. Stood frozen in my tracks, he came sprinting towards me.

“Hello boy!” I shouted, tapping my hands on my thighs to welcome him. Jazz jumped up, his paws rested on my lap and his tail wagged frantically from side to side. He barked loudly at my presence, making me wince. I rubbed his head and ear to calm him down, which seemed to do the trick.

“C’mon” I ordered, pointing towards the kitchen. He jumped down and dashed off, leading the way.

I emerged from the hallway into the kitchen and flicked on the light switch. Immediately the dim room was full of light, brightening up the surroundings. I saw Jazz trot towards the back door where he began to rock impatiently; I knew exactly what he was after so I walked beside him and opened up the door. He bolted out on to the fresh lawn and ran repeatedly up and down. He was a crazed dog at times. Just watching him sprint backwards and forwards made me laugh. I shook my head at his silliness and walked away, letting him do his business and enjoy a moments freedom.

I headed over towards the oven where I had left a stew to cook slowly while I was at work; it saved me making anything when I got home. Thankfully, it was cooked to perfection and ready to eat.

I slipped on mums oven gloves and lifted it out, serving it onto a white porcelain plate for one. Just the sight of it was making me hungry and the smell was mouth-watering.

I grabbed some cutlery out of the side draw and poured myself a glass of ice-cold water. I walked over to the back door, juggling my food in one hand and my drink in the other.

“Jazz!” I called after him. He came racing from behind the ash tree at the bottom of the garden, heeling at my feet within seconds.

“C’mon boy, time to come in”. He looked at me with those soft brown eyes, begging me not to. I could have easily given in but I knew I had to bring him in, he would stay out there all night if I let him. He loved the outdoors and exploring was his thing.

He whined a few times as he trotted into the kitchen, making me feel bad almost instantly. I locked the door behind him.

“Sorry. I promise I’ll take you out for a walk to the park tomorrow.” His ears pricked up at the word ‘walk’. I can’t believe I was actually negotiating with a dog. He barked at me in response. Its like we were having our own conversation. I started to think I was going slightly mad conversing with a canine…

“Lets go” I said, turning off the kitchen light and heading into the living area. I plonked myself down on the sofa and placed my drink on the side table. Usually I would sit at the dining table with mum, but seen as she’s not here it seems like a lonely place to be, so I opted for the sofa.

I grabbed the remote for the TV and flicked through a few channels before I was finally satisfied.

I ate alone.

I looked up at the clock which hung directly above the mantle piece. It read exactly 10:30. Blimey, those last few hours soon flew by. I found myself yawning all of a sudden. Maybe it was time for bed?