New Friends In January - A Short Story

New Friends In January

by Shana Gorian© January 2016

Winter break was over and the holidays were now just memories. Today was the first day back-to-school for ten-year-old James and seven-year-old Mandy, but they didn't mind. They had run out of things to do at home and were eager to see their friends.

"Bye, Mom!" James skipped down the steps and headed for the bus stop.

The frosty morning air turned Mandy's cheeks pink as she called to her German shepherd. "Bye, Rosco! I hope you don't miss us too much!" Mandy hurried to catch up to her brother.

Inside the house, Rosco pouted. He already missed them. The kids had been home for three whole weeks over the holiday break. Rosco had enjoyed watching them make gingerbread houses, sing carols, and open Christmas presents.

On New Year's Eve, he had rolled around in the confetti they'd thrown. But he'd run and hidden from the noise they'd made at midnight, when Mom had brought out the pots and pans. What was that all about, anyway? He still wondered.

Now, the kids were leaving for school, and Rosco already felt lonely, because it wasn't just school that would keep them busy. They'd have sports practices, instrument lessons, and play dates with friends. He had some long days ahead and no idea how to fill them. He wasn't looking forward to the long weeks ahead.

Rosco tried looking on the bright side. At least Mom would be home. She often took him for morning walks. She also kept him entertained as she sped about the house, cleaning this and organizing that. Now and then she'd toss him a treat. And sometimes, she even brought him along for errands in the minivan. On the very best days, she'd take him to the park and throw a stick for him to fetch. But most of the time, she was too busy to play.

He hung his head and sighed. What am I going to do all day?

From outside, a noise interrupted his thoughts. It sounded like a car. But it must be huge, he thought. Rosco shuffled over to the living room window and looked outside.

It wasn't a car at all. It was a truck—and it was huge. It was large and yellow, much longer than any other truck he'd ever seen.