Bloom

72. untouched treats

Zephaniah

I woke up. My body felt heavy, limp- I could barely turn over to my side. Eventually, I had managed to do so. I stared down at the blanket that was beside my bed, softy touching his hairs. My eyelids felt heavy, my mind hazy.

Glancing at the clock, I realised it was nearing eleven am, I didn't understand how I had slept so long. Quickly kicking the covers off me, I slipped on my pants, pulling a hoodie over my head after that; I forgot to walk him.

Rushing over towards the bathroom, I washed my face, stared at it for seconds long before making my way downstairs. Opening the right cabinet, I took out the dog food and filled the right bowl, picking up the other to empty it and fill it up with fresh water.

"Zeph?" I heard Baba's voice, I didn't answer. I had to walk Cooper, otherwise he'd urinate in the living room again. I didn't want it to happen, I needed to prevent it.

Staring at the bowls for a while, I nodded my head after a brief moment, knowing the thirst would come back once the walk had been done. Stepping into my shoes, I shrugged on my coat after that, reaching the doorknob.

Mama said something as well, I couldn't really make out what. I was in a rush, I needed to walk.

Closing the front door behind me, I tried to ignore the uneasy feelings that were present in my stomach. I didn't know if it were emotions, I didn't know if it was hunger, maybe something else. I didn't care, my mind was somewhere else, anyway.

I held the leash tightly and tried to look around me, yet my eyes would glue back to my shoes instead- it didn't matter. Cooper knew the way.

The Golden Retriever from number one hundred and seven barked, I gave him a small wave, feeling happy that Cooper was always only focused on me, and not on cats or dogs around him. I gave him a treat, but it fell onto the ground.

Staring at it for a while, I decided to walk further, crossing the small bridge. The man was mowing again, the sound of it screeching into my ears like nails on the chalkboard would. I shivered, I stood still to find the comfort. His soft, black nose pressed into my hands, I squeezed my eyes closed.

One, two, three, four, five.

He calmed me, I felt relieved. Continuing to walk, I stared at the uneven tiles that were on the ground. Some dull where the grey had vanished, some lightly decorated with the sand that glistened in the weak sunlight.

I crouched down, my finger sliding over the sand. I grimaced, thinking it had felt better before. Standing back up again, I gave him another treat, watching it fall to the ground. I tugged at the leash, continuing to walk.

The breeze was crisp, the sun didn't give away any warmth. I was mad at it, but at the same time I knew she couldn't help it. I apologised in my mind.

A plane crossed the sky, the sound loud in my ears. I flinched away, I searched for his warm and soft comfort. My hands stayed cold.

My phone vibrated, I ignored it, frowning because I didn't like it when my walk was disturbed, would they ever learn? I started tugging at the back of my head, plucking out some hair. He didn't stop me, why didn't he?

Tears welled up in my eyes, I was upset. "Coop." I whispered, staring at his soft, brown and warm eyes that truly calmed me down every time I looked into them. "Amsterdam was really.." I stopped, swallowing away the tears.

I continued walking. He followed me, as always. Stopping at the small farm, I watched as the farmer fed the pigs, the tiny babies screeching loudly, hurting my ears, once again. I frowned, wondering if they were okay.