The Adventures of Zelda: A Pug Tale

Chapter 7: Zelda and the Vacation

"Let's go, Nate. We are going to be late," Hannah says.

"How can we be late to leave on our own vacation?" Nate replies.

"We are on a time schedule," she says and walks out the door.

"Let's go, Zelda," Nate says. "Before she leaves without us."

We walk to the car. I jump into Ben's lap in the back. I have no idea where we are going, but I am excited. I love trips, exploring new places, and discovering new smells. With a new adventure so close, I hop from one seat to another until Ben grabs me, pulling me close. I squirm, but he doesn't release his grip. I give up and relax my body.

We arrive at a strange house with familiar faces. I cannot place when or where I met the man and woman of the house, but I know we have met. I jump out of the car and run into the yard, dragging Ben and the leash behind me.

"Let's go inside," Hannah says.

"Are you sure we can't bring Zelda with us?" Ben asks.

"Sorry, Zelda can't go on vacation with us," Hannah says.

I follow my family into the house. When Ben unleashes me, I dash up the stairs to explore. The house is much bigger than ours. It has a full flight of stairs with lots of space for playing. The upstairs has a long hallway leading to three bedrooms. The living room, kitchen, and dining room are on the other side of the top floor. Scattered throughout the living room and kitchen are a few of my toys, my bed, and my bowls.

How did they get here?

I scamper down the stairs. The bottom floor has one main room with a big couch. The other two rooms are small and filled with boxes. Downstairs the air is damp and dark.

"Zelda, come here," Hannah calls from upstairs. I run up the stairs and find her in the kitchen.

"It's time for us to go," she says. "Say your goodbye to Zelda." Lucy bends over and scoops me up. She gives me a big squeeze.

"I'll miss you," Lucy says. She puts me back on the ground. Ben reaches down and pets me.

"See you later," Ben says. Hannah and Nate both give me a quick pet.

"See you in a week Zelda," Nate says. "Be good."

A week? What's happening?

"We will take good care of her," the woman says.

"Bye Zelda," Nate says. They walk down the stairs and out the door.

I run to the couch in the living room. I put my front paws on the windowsill and look out. I see my family get into the car without me.