Fiction

Times Seven

by Ashley Adam

Sally leaned over closer to nuzzle into Roger's neck. She loved these moments of quiet togetherness—to just cuddle up to her protector.

Roger put his head down to her ear. "It's almost time to go." Sally knew this moment would come. She had been trying to prepare herself for it—emotionally at least—as she knew there was nothing in her power to prevent it from happening. She hoped for more time—to be together and reminisce, as that was all Roger could do now.

She remembered like it only happened yesterday. Raised by a single mom who couldn't feed Sally and all of her siblings, Sally felt that as the first-born she should leave home, hoping that with one less mouth to feed, the younger ones might stand a better chance. She felt confident that she could make it on her own.

Sally had never been to the city core before; and how she arrived downtown, she can't recall. But a life of being alone, homeless and usually hungry was a shock to her. She felt ashamed to have to beg to sustain her life. But she was not going to give up. She had determination and tenacity. Despite her weak condition and haggard appearance she knew she could amount to something.

Roger was much older than Sally. He lived at the outskirts of town in a huge house on a couple of acres. He didn't go to the city often. Too noisy and polluted. But summer was almost over and most of the tourists gone, so he thought he'd take in the downtown sights.

Sally first laid eyes on him as he rounded the corner by the deli. Roger was the sort who would not go unnoticed. He had a muscled body, a strong neck, deep well-developed chest, broad thighs indicating strong legs, and a straight back. He was solid but not bulky. His stride was outreaching, seemingly without effort, yet smooth, rhythmic, and agile. As he got closer to her, it was his eyes that penetrated her very soul. They were almond shaped and dark as the sky on a moonless night. His expression was confident, intelligent and composed. His face conveyed a loving and trustworthy character.

That moment was almost eight years ago. Sally couldn't believe so much time had passed.

Roger had been the best in his field. He had received many accolades and awards for his deeds. Often his handsome photograph appeared in magazines and newspapers outlining his accomplishments.

His work often took him on trips out-of-town and Sally always went too. She loved these trips, as it often included a mini-vacation. After Roger finished with his commitments they would spend a day at the lake. They both loved the water and sometimes wondered whether they had been fish in a previous life.

About one month ago, Sally was roused from her sleep. She heard something but didn't want to disturb Roger. She went to investigate and her head was hit by something so hard it made her pass out. When she came to, the police were leading a man out in handcuffs. People were bending over Roger. He was bleeding. Sally rushed to his side but was held back.

When Roger returned home he was very weak. He had no appetite and could hardly move. The severe beating he endured from the burglar left him partially paralyzed. His gait was no longer smooth and rhythmic, but now slow and limp.

Sally stayed by his side constantly. Caring for him as he had done for her many years before. But she was young when he found her; Roger was now old. He had lived a long life. Longer than most. And they both knew it was time.

Sally heard John's heavy footsteps approaching. He called for Roger to come. Roger gave one last kiss to Sally. Slowly he rose to his feet. Despite his acute pain, Roger's last walk out of the home they shared was reminiscent of their first meeting. He did not want Sally to remember him as anything but strong and smooth of motion. He was poised and his trot covered the maximum amount of ground with a minimum number of steps. He was noble as he held his chiseled head high, ears erect, his bushy tail slightly curved and held up. It was a beautiful yet sad moment.

When Sally heard John's key unlock the door she rushed to his side. John bent down and felt her cold nose on his cheek. She licked his face as his hand glided over her smooth silky fur. There was a common understanding between this man and dog, of the love and loss they both shared.

Ashley Adam lives in the country with Rice, Candy, Bea, Duke, and her human companion Peter.