Lethner's Service (COMPLETED)

Chapter 1 - Mr. Bumper

QUINN

I'm currently enjoying Paramore's Dead Horse over my head phones while jogging on the path here in the park. I've been running around for about thirty minutes and tiny droplets of sweat are dripping down, moistening the neck part of my sweat shirt. I got them off my ears, catch my breath for a couple of seconds, and look at my wrist watch. It's 30 minutes past 5 in the morning and I need to be in my flat at exactly 6 o'clock so I can fix myself for my morning shift as a hotel front desk receptionist.

One last time, I inhale the fresh morning breeze inside my lungs before I release it out my mouth. The view in here is really relaxing. I could see a lily pond and some formal plantings. There are great variety of flowering plants and bushes that make the landscape of the place so unbelievably pleasurable in the eyes. There are also table benches for picnics and pavilions of different designs which provide shady rests from which visitors can enjoy the lovely views. There's a wading pool for small children, tennis courts, and paths for joggers plus open expanses of green softball diamonds and soccer fields.

What a magnificent view to start my day!

"Good Morning Bree!" Mr. Alkins, who also loves to visit the place, greets me with a wide smile plastered on his face.

He's obviously old because of his prominent wrinkles and white hairs. With his white mustache and beard, he actually looks like Santa Claus.

"Good morning Mr. Alkins and good morning to you too Zing!" I bend on my knees to gently caress the head of Zing, a pure white shih tzu.

I remember having my morning walk with Mr. Alkins and Zing the last week. The latter kept on barking at the statues along the corridor of the park, specifically at the likeness of the famous English playwright, William Shakespeare. Zing barks at me and wiggles her fluffy tail like a child who wants to be carried by her mom. She rubs her body on my left leg and licks my skin.

"Zing! You clever puppy! Come here!" He bends down and gently carries her on his arms. He combs her white, thick, and fluffy furs using his fingers and the little dog obviously likes it.

"She looks like a stuff toy with her thick fur. I'm worried if she could still see the beautiful view of the park. It looks like they're covering her eyes."

"I'm actually planning to bring her to my friend's pet salon for a grooming."

"That would be great. I have to go to work Mr. Alkins. Have a nice walk with your Zingy-girl."

"Take good care of yourself Bree. Zing's going to see you tomorrow. Bye."

We wave each other good byes before I finally turn my back and leave them. I check on my watch again and it's already quarter to 6. I really need to hurry up. I don't want to be late for my work.

"What the –" in a very disgusted tone, I utter while looking down my right running shoe.

There's a gum sticking on it and I have to take it off by brushing my shoe against the ground. Sweet Jesus! I look like a horse brushing my foot on the grasses, ready to come running out my cage.

When I was finally able to remove the gum, I notice that there's something wrong with the other pair of my shoe. I shake my head from side to side. My left shoe lace is now loosed and untied. I have to kneel down and tie it again. I deeply sigh in frustration.