Nightmares Alive

Pets

I awoke to scratching on the back door to the apartment leading out to the balcony. Darla seemed not to notice as she peacefully slept in the queen bed next to mine.

I groggily sat up out of bed and adjusted my pajama tank top that awkwardly was too low. I sleepily made my way over to the back door to find a dog and a cat. The dog was a black Labrador anxiously trying to scratch his way in. The cat was a Siamese and laid in a corner of the balcony opposite to the Labrador.

Seeing me through the window, the Labrador yelped and continued to paw his way in, making a louder ruckus than before. Only moments later did Darla come out with her hair on point, almost like she never slept.

"Ugg..." Darla groaned. "I was kind of hoping for another hour of sleep, but apparently it was not to be."

"Same. So are these your pets?"

"Partially. They are Harmony's. Are you allergic?"

"I don't believe so," I said.

"OK. Well, I should bring them in. I left food and water outside for them last night but I forgot to put their beds out there. Wonder if they got as much sleep as we did."

She opened the door and the Labrador stormed in, jumping on the couch and rebounding back onto the floor. But the Siamese stayed outside, calmly licking her fur. After trying to coax her out, Darla just grabbed her and literally threw her inside, meowing and hissing hysterically.

I laughed, saying, "So what are their names?"

"They are both boys. The dog is named Shadow and the cat is named Ducky."

"Shadow and Ducky?"

"Harmony had them picked out already when I moved in," Darla said immediately, holding her hands up in surrender.

"Ah."

"Well, that's that. Why don't we both get dressed and start practicing your talent? We have lots to do and time is ticking. Sound like a plan?"

"You got it."

A/N: I would like to give a meaningful shoutout to one of my best friends, sinisterpneuma She is so awesome and friendly and we can always get a good laugh out of each other! Thanks for Shadow and Ducky (a hilarious inside joke) and so much more! You're the best! <3 Amanda