Norman's Neighborhood

Twenty-four

"You need some water," Paul remarked to his canine visitor as he set the few dishes in the sink. Opening the cupboard underneath, he continued - half to himself and half to the interested dog, "Here, you can use Ferdinand's bowl... His collar and leash will come in handy too." He pulled out a sturdy brown leather collar along with a heavy duty chain, and set them on the counter.

Norman lapped thirstily, his big tongue flicking droplets of water here and there. The stainless steel dish wobbled and scooted on the tile floor, making a slight ringing "thoong thoong thoong" as he drank. His tail waved in appreciation as he finally lifted his head and blinked at the tall blond man.

Paul fitted the collar around the animal's neck, buckled it, and clipped on the leash. He patted the schnauzer's wavy coat and suggested,
"Let's go outside for a bit."
It was dusk, the time when everything is shadowy and indistinct. As the man and the dog stepped out the back door, small rustling sounds came from the nearby bushes.

An owl hooted in the distance as man and dog made a circuit around the house. Norman paused, ears alert.
"All right - take your time, boy. It's peaceful out here, isn't it?"
The dog, busy sniffing at the base of the bush, heard the man's voice as an indistinct murmur. Whatever he'd said, the tone was pleasant and reassuring. He was a very nice man, Norman thought - but he wasn't family. Norman missed his family.

**********

"That's encouraging! Let us know the minute you hear anything more, honey," CC told her daughter. Dena had called to report the latest news of Norman, and the conversation sent CC on a mental slideshow. She saw an image of Norman as a fuzzy puppy with disproportionately large paws, curled up at the side of a recuperating David; another of the adolescent dog bounding across the vacant lot where he played with David and Logan; and a more recent scene in which Norman cavorted on Ray and CC's lawn with Bunyan, the largest of Ray's Continental giant rabbits.

Without realizing what she was doing, CC had wandered into her studio and sat down at the drawing table. Her fingers whisked across paper, lightly sketching lines that soon became a recognizable form. It was Norman, galloping happily after an as-yet-undrawn ball, his pink tongue and red collar the only touches of color against the black and gray coat.

**********

Paul fell asleep thinking about his new canine acquaintance, and how he and Perry would go about getting the dog to a vet in the morning. There was a good chance the animal would have been to the same clinic where he had taken Ferdinand; they might even recognize him there...

In his dream, he watched the big gray dog trotting down a sidewalk where people were milling around with no apparent purpose. Paul recognized a few of them: His cousin Sylvia was sitting at a table outside a café, chatting with several people he didn't know; Anna Penrose hurried past, pushing a stroller with one hand while the other held Hannah's hand; and various familiar-looking yet unidentified individuals went about their pursuits - some of them dodging the dog, who was intent on his own business.

Two department store employees were arranging merchandise in a display window. The curious dog moved up close to investigate, in turn drawing Paul's attention to the advertised wares - which seemed to be an assortment of luggage. A banner announced simply, "Let's Go!"

Paul's perspective, dream-fashion, zoomed in to show minute details of the designs of the luggage. There was a tapestry suitcase with matching backpack, and a coordinating quilted cloth duffel bag in a larger print, all showing a dog that looked just the visiting schnauzer.

"Wrrf?" asked the dog, then "Wrrf!" he insisted. Paul woke, befuddled. He could tell that it was just beginning to get light outside. He realized that his guest had both furry paws on the edge of the bed, and was staring at him. The dog's damp mustache brushed against the bedding, leaving little spots of moisture.
"You think it's time to be up and on your way?" Paul yawned, fumbling on the nightstand for his glasses. Brushing the tousled hair from his forehead, he put the glasses on and swung his long legs to the floor.
"We have plans for you, buddy - we're going to try to get you home!"

Home? Norman recognized that word and bounced eagerly, whining a little. Was he really going back home?

While he got ready for the day, Paul mulled over his dream. He had a signature line of luggage already, and was known for his whimsical subject matter. Maybe he should create a collection of luggage with designs of a traveling dog...