Jerry's Tale

It's like swimming at the bottom of a muddy lake. I can't think can't think can't think-

They say I can have a phone call. I don't respond. They think I'm being rude. I'm not. I'm just trying to think.

I reach out to pick up the phone and I'm confused to see a hand, not a paw. I dial slowly, and when She answers, I mumble where I am.

I hear her cold fury in the silence on the other end of the line. I hang my head, cringing. I hate it when she's mad. But I also like the simplicity of it. Like an arrow. Cutting through that muddy water.

She collects me. I think she pays money, or scribbles on paper. I'm happy to see her. I relax, smile. She smells nice. Some bit of me remembers I didn't get to finish with the last female because everyone was screaming and hitting me. I paw at her. She scowls and bats me away. People snigger.

At the car, I wait for her to let me in. When she doesn't, I try sinking my haunches to the tarmac. She hauls me up by the armpit with one hand, opens the door with the other, and shoves me inside.

"For god's sake Jerry!"

She drives. I scrabble at the window. Sighing, she winds it down for me. I put my head out and laugh, troubles forgotten.

At home, I feel better. Clearer. I'm on two legs. This is my house. I... I see the hard angles of her rage and I know I am supposed to do something to put it right, to make her soft again. I fight my way up through the muddy water and...

"Sorry."

"It's too late for that, Jerry." She's scowling, and I feel something sink, shrink. Something important. Inside.

"You're never, never! going to do that to a woman again. I'm making sure of it."

The ice in her tone is worse than shouting. Her fury makes her look taller, but no, she is taller, and growing and...

wait.

I look down at my paws, and when I scream, all that comes out is a whine.

"You're getting fixed."

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Word count excluding note: 366

Submitted on Friday 21st June at 21.35

*Quick Author's Note*

First, and most importantly: thank you so much for reading my story! The ha'penny that Vocal will toss in my hat for your eyeballs landing on this humble piece will be well-spent.

If you enjoyed this one, the very best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another!

A Year of Stories: I'm writing a story every day this year. This one continues my 173 day streak since 1st January.

Please do consider lending your support to the other creators who are also on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They are putting out excellent content every day!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

The story behind the story: I always try to write these so they work as stand-alone micros. If you like, you can read this one as part of a series. Here are the others:

Please do leave me a comment: I reciprocate as many as I can. Leaving a comment makes that easier.

Thank you!

Thank you again, most sincerely. Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and appreciate you very much indeed! 😁

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