Upon Three Paws

Chapter 11

Training

Rustling makes its way to my ears, following shortly after the smell of food. Peeking out from my slightly open eyelids, the first thing I notice is the natural light from the sun falling through the windows. I never really noticed them until now and I mentally smack myself for not. The glimpse of the cloudless blue sky proves that today is all the more sunny.

Deciding that I won't be getting anymore sleep, I stand and stretch out. Slowly opening my jaw, I stop after a few seconds from the jab of soreness and decide to keep it shut for today. Once I've done my business in the litter box, I shift back into a line position and look around for any sign of the food, but it's coming from the hallway. When my stomach growls for food, as if on cue, Fesco walks in holding a small box full of both cut up meat, fruit and berries.

The netting over my head is still in place, preventing me from jumping out to follow the strengthening scent. My eyes stayed glued to the plastic box of my favourite foods as Fesco slowly takes off the net.

When I turn and look at his approaching hand, my ears press back against my head.

Is he angry I left my enclosure? Will he lock me away without food or water? Both? What if he's feeding me all this just to give me up as food to some hungry predator?

Taking a step away from his hand, my body trembles slightly as the scenarios play out in my head.

Being locked away in a pitch black room without the meat I've grown to love. Having to go without water until dehydration threatens my life. The possibilities cause my heart to hammer harder against my chest.

"I'm not going to hurt you. Shh, Peppa. It's okay."

Wait. ...who's Peppa?

"Shh, shhh."

Not wanting to get into anymore trouble than I already am, I force myself to go stiff when his hand gently pets my back and closest wing. They're so tightly pressed against my sides at this point that I don't even think he actually notices he's petting it instead of my back.

My stiff form is gently scooped up into both his hands since half my body length is the length of one of his hands. If I were comfortable enough, I would be able to comfortably lay down.

My eyes once again find the box of food, making some of my fears vanish, but new ones quickly develop and take their place.

Is he going to tease my hunger by not giving me anything to eat?

My stomach lurches as Fesco sets me on the ground. It only takes a second for me to scan all the possible hiding spaces. Nothing appears to have changed since my outing.

My thoughts are forced back to the food when the scent suddenly amplifies. Ears perked up, I watch fixated at the piece of meat Fesco takes out of the box. He lowers it to where I can reach it and my stomach growls in anticipation. When he doesn't drop it on the ground for me to get, my head tilts in confusion.

What does he want me to do?

My tail moves on its own accord and swings from side to side when he nudges the hand holding the meat closer.

Go take it. The voice in the back of my head instructs. I can't hold back my snort of disapproval. The act tugs on my snout and I stifle a flinch. Hopefully Fesco didn't see that. Glancing up at him, I see that he's half looking at me with a calculating gleam in his eye. It sets me on edge.