I Among Dogs

Chapter 36: Time with Grandad

 "You are going to love Grandad, Nathan! He's got a canoe and he knows the best hiding places!" Bingo beamed at me from the backseat.

"Now honey, grandad's just had heartworm, he needs to rest." Chilli quickly interjected, shooting down the possibility of riding in the canoe.

Chilli's father, Mort, had caught wind of me residing in Australia and was eager to meet me in person, but we had to make sure he was well rested as he had just gotten home from heartworm surgery.

"And Bluey, make sure you eat your pumpkin seeds, I want you to grow big and strong." Chilli then instructed her oldest daughter.

"Aw, I don't want to grow up big and strong!" Bluey complained, earning a "Too bad." from Chilli while I raised an eyebrow.

"Why not?" I decided to ask, glancing behind at her.

"Because it's too long, longer than the way to Grandad's. I want to be a kid forever!" Bluey was quick to answer, her answer being a rather relatable one.

"Honestly, I feel that way sometimes. When you're younger, you have less responsibilities and more energy compared to when you're around eighty. But growing up does have it's good things as much as it's bad things, you just have to keep moving forward no matter what." I explained, Chilli nodding in agreement.

"Well I think going forward is silly!" Bluey huffed, crossing her arms with a pout. I exchanged looks with Chilli as I got an idea, taking out my phone and a USB connector, connecting my phone to the car's radio as I set it to a western tune I was familiar with.

"Maybe, but if we never went forward, we'd never get anywhere. It may be hard, Bluey, but you just have to keep going. Pick up your feet and follow your heart."

"Are you sure?" Bluey asked curiously as I nodded.

"As sure as anyone is, just listen closely." I said affirmatively, before beginning to sing to the western song playing on the radio.

♪I found out a long time ago... You gotta learn to say "Yes" when life says "No"♪

♪Don't dwell on the bad times once they're past... That kind of thinking gets you nowhere fast♪

♪'Cause there ain't no mountain you can't climb... If you hang on tight and just make up your mind...♪

♪Once you set your heart to moving on... there ain't no road too long♪

I just managed to notice Chilli glance at me with a smile as I continued.

♪Don't look back, don't you turn around... Just keep your eye on where you're bound♪

♪And you're bound to get from here to there... 'Cause a dream can take you anywhere!♪

♪'Cause there ain't no mountain you can't climb... If you hang on tight and just make up your mind♪

♪And once you set your heart to moving on... there ain't no road too long♪

After the instrumental violin break, I was about to continue, only to be surprised by Chilli beating me to the punch. And boy, was her singing voice beautiful.

♪'Cause there ain't no mountain you can't climb... If you hang on tight and just make up your mind♪

Chilli then nodded to me, allowing me to do the next verse.