A Survivor's Guide to Eternity(100)

“Who are you, how did you get in, you naughty little fella?” exclaimed Abella, as she embraced the animal with both arms, gently stroking his silky fur. Ed entered the room and went over to see her being mauled with affection.

“This dog is something else; I have no idea how he knew you were here. It’s like he’s a little telepathic monster.”

“Where did you get him from, he’s gorgeous, a gorgeous Border terrier pup?” replied Abella, as she stroked and hugged the hound who was still lavishing affection on her face.

“He kind of hijacked me at the diner and became very insistent to come back. I couldn’t find his owner and the diner wouldn’t take him, so I had to bring him home. Maybe we can take him to the dog home tomorrow. What do you think?” enquired Ed.

“Well, let’s see. What we need to do now is feed him. I wonder what he eats. Let’s take him to the kitchen and see what he likes,” replied Abella, as she stood up, gently clasped the dog and headed through the room and downstairs, giving her husband a big kiss on the way.

Ed, the dog, was astounded to be back home. He loved Abella such a lot and was so happy and relieved to realise he had successfully steered his larger alter ego away from his fateful appointment. It was a little odd being a ‘fly on the wall’ in their lives, but he felt complete and satisfied being home. Soon they had all moved down to the kitchen and were looking into the fridge for likely dog food. The hound held his paw out and eagerly gesticulated towards the packs of prosciutto and sliced honey roast ham.

“He can’t be for real, Ed, he’s pointing towards the ham as if he knows what it is. That’s crazy,” exclaimed Abella, a little aghast.

“I told you he was extraordinary. It wouldn’t surprise me if he could open it,” replied Ed, as he flicked on the TV with the remote and tuned in to live premiership football.

“Well I’ll put some down on a plate for him on the floor and see how he gets on. How was your day anyway, did the meetings go well?”

“Yes, all good. The meetings went well but I was being bombarded all day with other bullshit. I really think some good opportunities are opening up though. I think we might be poised to go to the next level with the company. Let’s see,” replied Ed, as the TV blurted out irrelevant comments on footballers with two good feet and powerful heads.

“Oh Ed, look, he’s eaten the Italian ham and the sliced ham and now he’s pointing to your case of beer on the floor.”

“Don’t give him beer for Chrissakes, Abella, are you nuts?”

“Why not? A little won’t hurt,” replied his wife heading over to the case.

“Because!”

“Oh, too late. I’ve just poured him some in a little bowl. Look, he loves it. This dog is mad.”

Ed jumped up and ran out to the kitchen, perplexed to see the hound gulping down the beer.

“I think I’ve seen it all now,” exclaimed Ed in disbelief as the dog brushed past him and jumped up into his arm chair, arranged a pillow and settled down for a nap.

“He’s in my fucking chair now, can you believe it. Are you sure he’s not me?”

“I’m not. He’s as affectionate as you, Ed. I love him, he’s really cute. Can we keep him?”

“Let’s see in the morning. We can’t have a dog. How will we ever be able to leave the house?” replied Ed, not so keen.

“Oh, we’ll find a way somehow, baby,” replied Abella seductively.

“Let’s talk about it tomorrow. One thing’s for sure, he’s not having my fucking arm chair,” exclaimed Ed, as he lifted the dog from his chair and plonked him down on the sofa. Abella soon followed in quick succession with a small blanket and Ed the dog settled down for the night. He was so tired yet so happy to be home amongst everything familiar that he loved, the sights, the smells and the people. In no time at all he went straight off into a deep and comfortable sleep.

***

The silence of the morning was sliced apart by the penetrating tones of the alarm clock, fervent beeping in 7/8. It didn’t disturb Abella though. She was already awake and sat upright looking at Ed as his helpless arm strayed out aimlessly from under the covers to assault the offending clock. The dog sat calmly on her lap, wide awake, enjoying the stroking being lavished upon the top of his head and back.

“Oh, Ed, can we keep him, please? Please?”

“Oh, Christ, I’ve only just woken up, give me a chance,” replied Ed as he became conscious.

“Please, Ed, please, he is gorgeous.”

“What would we do with him when we go on holiday? We’d be tied to the house.”