My Short Short for the Day

 Larry nosed through the trash hoping to find a scrap of something to fill his grumbly belly.  The smell of baking bread made him drool but he ignored it.  He’d tried to get some scraps from them, but every time they shouted at him and slammed the door in his face.  All he wanted was just a little bite of something.  His energy was waning so he slumped down by the garbage can, letting it prop him up while he rested.  It was getting harder to get up each morning.  His belly wouldn’t let him lay still for long, though.  He had to eat.

“Hey, guys, I’ll catch up with you later!” 

Larry turned his head toward the voice.  It was a boy and he was coming towards him.  Larry struggled to get to his feet, but he was too weak, so instead he tried to scrunch down as much as possible hoping the boy wouldn’t notice him.  The boy stopped running and walked slowly towards him, holding out a hand.

“It’s ok boy, I won’t hurt you.”

Larry’s tail began to wag, he couldn’t help himself.  He tilted his head to look up.  The boy knelt beside Larry and gently patted his head.  Larry closed his eyes and enjoyed the kindness.  The boy pet him for a few moments then stopped.  Larry opened his eyes and whined a little.

“It’s ok boy.  I’ll be right back.” 

The boy walked to the back door of the bakery and knocked.  A man opened the door and they talked for a few moments.  The man disappeared and returned with a small bowl.  The boy carefully set the water down in front of Larry.

“Here boy, drink some water.”

Larry leaned down and lapped at the water as best he could while the boy petted him.  When he had finished the bowl, Larry looked up at the boy and licked his face.

“You’re welcome.”  The boy’s voice was kind.  “Ok, I’m going to lift you up now.”

Larry wagged his tail.  The boy gently picked him up, it hurt, and Larry whimpered a little but licked the boy’s face to say it was ok.  The boy carried him to a small house with a little fenced yard.  A woman was standing in the doorway, smiling and shaking her head.

“Found yourself another stray?”  The woman’s voice was kind.

“Yeah, mom.  He really needs our help.” 

Larry wagged his tail as best he could.  The woman smiled.  “Of course, dear.  I’ll get some food.”