Dogs Heart

Chapter 3-Old Is New

Derrick just left after he fed me and let me outside, so he could take care of some errands for his mother.

Taking a break from the Dog channel and needing some company, I padded into Kota's room and looked for my buddy. He may have been Kota's favorite stuffed toy once, but he gave him to me when I was afraid of a storm when I first came home, and he has been my companion since that day.

Not seeing him, I sniff around the rest of the house. I found him laying on top of a box of items Kota has by my bed. As I grab my companion, I notice there are some things in there belonging to the guys. I bet Nathan tossed him on top as he was searching for the case. I laugh to myself as I strolled outside thinking about that.

Stretching out in the middle of the yard I lay the toy between my front paws. I can't help but think about Sang. I must have nodded off because I hear the crunch of some leaves and jolt awake.

Immediately on alert, I scanned the yard and focused on the noise as I hear it again. I grabbed my companion and trot towards the woods following the sound. I see it's some of the neighborhood kids chasing each other and playing near the sand dunes. Turning to go back home I catch a whiff of the smell I remembered from yesterday and follow it, finding myself at the same tree and I watch Sang climbing up with a small knapsack on. Not wanting to leave her alone, I lay down in front of the tree facing it and play with my companion quietly, waiting for her to come down.

It is not long before the rustle of leaves alerts me Sang is on the move. I glance up and watch her descent. Standing up I shake off the leaves, dirt, and dust from my fur. I want to look good when she sees me.

Once she is on the ground, I bark to get her attention. Sang turned and blinked. "Max?"

I bark again and wag my tail. Sang smiled slowly as she stood by the tree. Trying not to make her nervous I kept wagging my tail excitedly, and tilted my head down to get my companion in my mouth then trot to her, dropping my toy at her feet.

Sang adjusted the pack back and winced as she got to her knees in front of me. I lowered my head and she rubbed my head and ears.

"Max! I see we meet again. How are you, sweetie?"

I bark back in response and she smiled. "Why am I not surprised to see you today? This is the second time you've seemed to pop up when I need a friend."

Looking down she see's my companion and smiled. "It's funny to see you carrying a little version of you. Your little friend you have there is cute." I huff, and she laughs. It's the cutest sound I have ever heard. "Jealous? Aww, don't be. The real Max is so much better." Sang coos as she scratches behind my ear. "I have some apple slices left, do you want some?"

"Come on, let's go over to the stump." Sang pointed the way and I followed her. She sat on the stump as I sit next to her and leaned protectively on her right side. Sang pulled the backpack off her shoulders and exhaled. I turned to look at her as she lifted out a bag of apple slices. She handed me a slice and as I chomp, she tells me she likes coming outside to get away. She loved to walk through the woods to let her mind wander and sometimes to read. Sometimes she wished she had someone to talk to. I put my head on her lap to let her know I will be here for her.

Sang smiled as she rubs my head. Giving me another slice she talked about what she did that morning. I can't help to think how sad it is that she feels so alone. With my head resting on her knees I notice she smells of sickness, but I can tell it's not her. She must live around someone who is sick. Erica has the same smell when she comes home sometimes. She looks like she is lost in thought, so I just rest my head on her lap and let her pet me. We sat that way for a while. Her telling me about her family while she feeds me apple slices.

I must have nodded off because she jumped up moving my head and says she must get back home before her mother realized she was gone. I stood, grabbed Mini me, as Sang called my buddy, and go to on her right side. As we walked to her home, the way she said that did not sound right and I wanted to make sure she was safe. We come out the of the woods and arrived at the house I thought was abandoned. The grass and weeds fight for space and dominance alongside the dreary grey house and back fence.

" Bye Max. Thank you for walking me home. I will see you later," Sang murmured as she rubbed my head. I drop my Mini-me. She bent over, picked up my stuff toy to hand it to me and I shook my head as I backed away.

"Here Max. Take your stuffed dog. I have to go."

I just nudge it back to her in hopes she will keep it and think of me.

"Max. Take your toy!" She ordered. I whine and nudged my head against her leg. Sang smiled.

"You want me to keep this?" I barked in reply and wagged my tail.

"Shush" she whispered and looked towards the house. She turned back and smiled at me.

"Alright Max. I will keep it and when I look at, I will think about you. I hope your owner does not get mad at you. I need to go, my friend. I have a feeling I will be seeing you again." Sang put my Mini-me in her knapsack and told me to stay. She doesn't want her mother or sister to see me. I nodded and stood there while she walked over to the back steps of the house and paused. She tilted her head to the side like I do when I am listening. I guess she likes what she hears as she slinks up the back stairs and onto the porch. She slowly opened the door and stepped inside. As I turned to go back home, I hope she does not get in trouble with her mom.