Lost Dog, part 2

My sincerest apologies, darling, for taking so long to return with your refill. They put the caps so tightly on those olive jars these days, and my hands aren't what they used to be! Now, where were we? Oh yes! The record shop!

Well, my heart nearly stopped when I heard that creak come from upstairs - who knew what it could have been! I steadied my nerves and slowly ventured up to see if it was my beloved pooch. Alas, it wasn't Sammy, but a scruffy squatter!

"Hello? Yoohoo! Hello there?" I asked the slovenly waif laying on the floor. She seemed to be completely oblivious to the rain that poured down around her as she played on her video game. I repeated my greeting until I heard her grunt. "Have you seen a little dog? He is black and white..."

"Haven't seen it," she replied, before I could even finish my description.

"He's black and white, and little, and probably cold and scared and..."

The squatter pounded the floor with her fist, making me jump. "Arg! You made me mess up.. and I was so close to beating my all time high score in Pong! Rrraaawr! I haven't seen your little dog! Now beat it grandma!"

Well, needless to say I got out of there as fast as I could! My irritation over how I'd been treated strengthened my resolve. I muttered a mean hope that her contraption would short out from the leaking roof just as she got her high score! Feeling better, I headed back out into the rain to continue my search.

The rain was so cold, and despite my makeshift umbrella, I was completely soaked. And the lightning! Oh, darling, my nerves were so frazzled! I was certain I'd never find my sweet dog, and started thinking I'd meet my end right there in the gutter.

Of course, the thought of that just made me press on. I saw a flooded waterway leading to a tunnel and wondered if perhaps my little Sammy had gone in there. Well, yes, dear, of course I considered the utter destruction of my shoes, my stockings and perhaps my lovely dress if I went wading out into that murky water. But this is my little Sammy we're talking about, and clothes can be replaced! I hiked up my dress and in I went!

Oh darling, that water was frigid! I swear I felt things slithering against my legs as I waded to the tunnel. It looked ominous indeed, so I stood at the mouth of the tunnel and called out, "Sammy, darling, are you in there?"

"Who?"

I was startled to get an answer, but called back, "I'm looking for my little dog... his name is Sammy! Have you seen him?"

"Who?"

Well, yes dear, it occurred to me that someone might have been playing a joke on me, but there are other explanations as well. For instance, it could have been a nice gentleman down there who was hard of hearing! It's difficult finding nice older gents these days, so who was I to pass up an opportunity?

Well, I don't know what an old man would be doing in a tunnel in the middle of a thunderstorm, darling. When one is my age, and there's a possibility of romance, one doesn't stop to ask questions like that! I just went on into the tunnel to see who it was, and if she, preferably he, had seen Sammy.

Needless to say, I was rather disappointed. No Sammy, and no handsome-yet-hard-of-hearing gentleman. It was just an owl, who looked as perturbed as I was by the whole situation. At this point, I was almost ready to give up. I wandered back into the rain, not even bothering to call out anymore.

My only concern at this point was to find a dry place to sit and beg the assistance of some kind passerby in hopes someone had seen Sammy somewhere. I went up the stairs and was making my way to a store when I stopped in my tracks!

There, in the window of one of the shops, was a beautiful gown. As my eyes wandered up the lovely folds of fabric, I gasped! There, on top of the mannequin's head, was one of the most glorious hats I had ever seen! I moved closer to get a good look, wondering what other frocks I could pair that magnificent hat with, when I heard a rustle coming from inside a crumpled car-turned-art by the store.

It could have been a rat, or the wind, or my ears playing tricks on me, but it could also have been my dear Sammy! I allowed myself a glimmer of hope, and called out, "Sammy, darling? Is that you?"

Oh, how my heart just leaped in my chest when I saw that little rolly polly come wiggling out of the car! What a smart little critter my Sammy is! He was lost and couldn't find me either! I'm convinced he saw that hat in the window and knew, just knew, I'd be drawn to it, and decided to wait for me there.

I scooped him right up, huggled him tightly, and hailed a cab as soon as I could. I wanted nothing more than to get out of that rain and get home! Oh, thank you darling - Yes, a nice, hot bubble bath does wonders to relax and refresh after such a trying night. I plan to have one myself as soon as you bid your farewell. I've already booked an appointment for the spa tomorrow. I think I need some polish before I head back out into civilization again.

You have a most wonderful night too, darling! Dance joyfully and kick up your heels in my and Sammy's stead. I'll be back out in the mix before you know it!


(To keep my already long story posts from being painfully longer, credit details are in the comment section below, or you can find credits to specific pictures on my Flickr Page! A directory of SLurls can be found here!)