Happy

Finding Him

I finally put my book down, I was beginning to get burnt out on reading. It's starting to get dark, I better head inside. I pick up my book and start walking towards the house, but I get stopped when I saw something out of the corner of my eye across the field of the property. I don't know what it was, but it was moving. I have no idea why I was so concerned about this.

I look towards the house, nobody seemed to realize I was still out here. I look back at the moving thing, and start to walk towards it. I pick up my pace and keep my eyes focused on it. I squint my eyes and try to figure out what it is. A dog? Could it be a person? No, it's definitely not tall enough. I walk faster and suddenly the figure stops. I stop. I guess it realized I was there, because it started running very fast.

I wanted to know who or what this was. I run fast and the figure becomes easily identifiable, it's a dog. I wonder why it was out here, my dad doesn't have a dog. It bolts left and I follow it. I finally catch up to it and saw it laying on the ground panting. I look at our surroundings, realizing what was around us.

It looks some kind of tree house. At least, it used to be. I look at the dog closely, I guess he didn't realize I was there, because as soon as I took a step to look at him, he started growling. I stepped back, and squinted my eyes trying to observe him.

He looked like he'd been through hell. Patches of fur missing, and the rest was all knotted. I couldn't tell what kind of dog it was, not from this distance. I needed to get closer. I put my hand out and slowly move towards him. He growls again, but slowly calms down and ignores my hand. I get closer and gently stroke his fur. I do this for about a minute and then he licks my hand.

He must be so hungry. I should go get him some food. I look at him and say "Stay, I'll be right back." I turn and start walking back towards the house. After a few steps I realized he was right behind me, following me. I sigh and motion him to come beside me. He stays right by my side and keeps up with me.

We get to the house and I totally panic because I don't know what to do. I can't just bring a dog in the house, that'd get me kicked out real fast. I look around and see a rope. It'll have to do. I tie it around the dog and tie the other end to the fence by the house. Hopefully that'll hold him. "Stay" I say sternly, petting him before I take a deep breath and go inside.

The downstairs lights were on and it was quiet. Wow, I never thought it'd actually be quiet in this house. The babies must be asleep. I look at the time. Holy shit, it's already 11pm?! I look around the half wall dividing the living room and kitchen and see my dad and Anna. They look mad, great. I've already gotten in trouble.

They see me and Anna automatically stands up. There goes my anxiety, through the roof.
"Sit down. We need to talk." she says sharply. I sit down and look at my dad, he's very quiet, like he always is.
"Your father and I were calling your name for hours. You've been outside since 6. We have to be up at 7, you know. You don't have enough common sense to come in when it gets dark?" she said, her voice stern and cold.
"I know, i-i'm sorry, I just..lost track of time I guess. It won't happen again.." I say, stuttering and fidgeting.

I feel myself start to sweat. I always sweat when I get anxious. I fidget with my hoodie, but make sure to keep eye contact with Anna. I don't want to piss her off even more.

She takes a deep breath and looks at my dad impatiently, as if giving him a silent signal to say something. He notices and immediately says "You're damn right it won't happen again, you're grounded until further notice."
Shit. Just what I need.

I watch them as they head upstairs to go to bed, not another word was said. I take deep breaths and calm down after a while. "I'll be okay" I tell myself. I get emotional easily. I can fell myself tearing up.

I hear the dog bark and realize that he was still out there. Fuck, what am I gonna do now? Do I want to risk getting in even more trouble? I think about how helpless the dog looked when I saw him. I had to at least feed him.

I get up and go to the kitchen, and find a plate of food sitting on the counter. I'm guessing that this was my plate from dinner. I take it and slowly tiptoe outside, being sure to close the door as softly as I possibly can.

The dog sees me and immediately wags his tail. I smile and take him up to the hill. I uncover the plate and watch him eat the whole thing. He finishes and lays down next to me. I pet him for a while and we end up falling asleep right there on the hill.