A Rose With Its Thorns Cut Off

1. Crimson Red

Red.

Red everywhere.

Red like blood.

Blood is everywhere.

Freshly spilled blood.

It was all I can see.

The color of red was covering the poor puppy's pure white fur.

It was all over the jagged ground.

It was on the baseball bat in my right hand.

It was on my hands.

It was on my clothes.

I think it was on my face too.

I think I killed the puppy.

Why did this happen?

Ah, I think remember.

I was only practicing my batting skills.

I was practicing for the baseball team tryouts the next day.

It was a beautiful late afternoon.

The passing birds were chirping loudly in the distance.

I was throwing the ball high to hit it.

I was able to hit it with my bat.

I ran after the ball and found Alex.

Alex was Mrs. Rodriguez's white puppy.

Mrs. Rodriguez was a sweet old woman who loved her dog.

She would often bring me and my mother a few dozens of cookies she liked to bake.

She would sometimes look after me when mommy isn't around.

She lives alone.

Alex was a new pet.

He was given by Mrs. Rodriguez's youngest son when they last visited her.

No wonder she loved him so much.

Alex was playing with the ball.

It was a very cute site.

I laughed at his silliness.

"Silly dog. That's my ball. Give it back."

I walked towards Alex and reached for the ball.

He growled at me possessively. It seems he liked that ball very much.

But that was my ball.

It was my favorite because dad gave it to me.

He rarely comes home.

"Stop it, Alex. That's my ball. Give it."

I scolded the dog.

I reached for it again and he tried to bite me.

I retracted my hand in fear of being bitten.

He started barking and growling at me.

"No, Alex. No biting."

I proclaim loudly.