Current River Writers Prompt #3

(I fall in love with everyone I make eye contact with. 300 words max)

What the hell happened?

Usually I ignore folks around me, and vice versa. I’ve dreamed of having a riveting relationship with another human, that ‘can’t live without you’ kind of love. It’s only make-believe.

Until two weeks ago, that is. The therapist said get a dog, get out of the house, establish routines and focus on something besides my pitiful life.

The shelter said Snoopy had been in and out of their place a lot. He seems unbothered by each return, and the folks returning him are never angry or unhappy with him. They all said the same things - their lives got too busy to care for Snoopy properly.

Snoopy and I’ve had fun getting to know each other. He preferred my homemade dog food to the storebought stuff. Concocting the recipes, shopping and preparing the batches filled time and pleased us both. He loved lounging in the sun in front of the patio doors while I worked in the kitchen.

He bored easily with backyard romps, so we took short walks, then longer ones. Fourteen days ago he tugged on his leash as we neared a man walking his chocolate lab. Our eyes met as we struggled with our dogs, our hearts linked and I invited him home. He accepted, right then!

After a few drinks and sex, he wouldn’t leave, so I offered him some of Snoopy’s food. He died at the table. I pushed him down the basement stairs and let his dog loose. It happened the next day, and the next…every time I’ve taken Snoopy on a long walk.

The bodies are piling up and getting smelly. Today I’ll drive Snoopy to the shelter. I’ll say I’m too busy now. Snoopy needs more time and attention. This kind of love could be the death of me.