Heal My Heart

T h r e e : P u p p y

A/N: comment and vote!

I jumped as I felt a hand on my shoulder.

I slammed the book shut, spinning around. My butt was still sore--I didn't want to be punished again. Scott looked concerned as he pulled the book from my hands. A sob tore from my chest. "Don't look at it!" I begged. "I'm stupid! I'm the stupidest stupid person in the world!"

Scott set the book aside and pulled me into lap. He cradled me as I cried, stroking my hair, murmuring softly words I didn't hear. I cried until I was out of tears and the room had grown dark. Scott never wavered, cradling me close.

My sobs turned to whimpers and those faded to shuddering breathes. "Are you alright Puppy?" He finally asked.

I just pressed closer. "I didn't mean to push you this hard. If it's too much I can back off."

I desperately wanted that. But I also desperately wanted to be on par with those around me. To listen fast like everyone else and understand all the big words.

I wanted to be able to read labels so I could get Bailey the right supplies.

I wanted to feel smart.

It was a stupid wish. Intelligence just wasn't one of my traits. I was stupid. Just plain old stupid. But Scott was too nice, wasting his time on me. I had led him to believe that I could learn.

I couldn't.

It was no use. "Not in a talking mood right now, huh? That's fine. It's late though so why don't you go shower and get ready for bed."

I moved numbly to the dresser pulling out my pjs before going to the bathroom and turning the knobs on. I stood under the water, cleaning up slowly. My eyes felt itchy and swollen. I trembled lightly.

Scott had folded down the blankets when I returned. I choked as he removed my collar. "I'm just putting it in the display Puppy--its chaffing a bit and I don't want you uncomfortable."

He tucked me into the bed, retrieving Milo from the floor. "Good night Puppy. I love you very much and know how hard you tried today."

He kissed my mouth gently and closed the door behind him. A night light cast shadows up the wall. They used to frighten me but Scott showed me patience and eventually I could sleep alone comfortably.

The night the bulb burned out is a different story however.

I rolled over, burying my face in various stuffed friends. I liked them because they were quiet just like me and let me cuddle them. And I didn't have to worry about them getting angry or bored and getting rid of me.

I'd picked Milo out with my old Dom. I had hope for us until the day he said we wouldn't work. Then I met Scott and thankfully, took Milo with me. Scott took me away that day.

I dreaded having to face my punishment tomorrow but managed to fall asleep despite.

***

The next day I woke up late.

The sun was really high and bright. I could see the heat shimmering from my window. The air conditioner had kept my room at a perfectly comfortable temperature.

I put on clothes and inched downstairs.

The house was empty and I could see Scott heading into the barn. I released a breath I didn't know I was holding. In the fridge was oatmeal he'd made me. There was a spoon on the table.

I ignored it, sitting on the floor. I ate with my fingers, down on the floor like I used to. I can do this right. "Puppy, why are you on the floor."