Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Cat and Dog (09/04/14)
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TITLE: Two of a Kind | Previous Challenge Entry
By Milly Born
09/11/14 -
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I groaned as I struggled in vain to push our Golden Retriever back inside the house. He lunged at the cat, which narrowly escaped climbing the nearest tree. Her hisses and snarls mingled with Max’s staccato barks.
Why did Vincent ever get this dog? I told him it would go after Molly.
Using my husband’s favorite ham, I managed to lure Max back into the house.
After cuddling a purring Molly, I headed for the car. Two pairs of gleaming eyes stared at me through the car's side window.
“Okay, boys. Let’s get you back to your Mom and Dad.”
Sweat beads had formed on my forehead. I switched on the air-conditioning and eyed the eight-year-old twins in the rear-view mirror.
“Why do dogs and cats always fight, Grandma?” asked Jason.
“Because they’re different kinds of creatures, I guess. They don’t speak the same language.”
“They don’t talk, Grandma,” he scoffed. “They just hiss and bark at each other.”
“Yeah,” added Harold, his twin. “Just like you and Grandpa. But you don’t climb a tree!” They rolled with laughter.
“Watch your mouths, young men. Don’t make fun of me.” But a smile made its way up my face at the image of my sixty-five-year-old self, sitting on a branch, hissing at my husband.
The kids were right; Vincent and I squabbled a lot. For no apparent reason, I would grumble, or he would raise his voice.
I sighed as I merged the car into the highway traffic. It’s probably what forty years of marriage do to a couple.
Vincent’s work had always been demanding. I homeschooled our two daughters and later, combined volunteer work with a busy social schedule. Vincent had never developed any hobbies, so when he retired five years ago, he expected me to spend most of my time with him. I wasn't ready to give up my activities; spending time with my husband was just one more item on my agenda.
Feeling neglected, he bought Max so that he would have a friend around when I was busy. Still, I felt constant pressure to entertain my husband.
Maybe we never really adapted to this new phase in life.
"Grandma?" Jason interrupted my thoughts. "If God made both cats and dogs to live in our homes, why are they so different?”
"Good question, honey. I think they both have a role to play in people's lives. But their roles are different. Cats are quiet company. They can stay home alone. Dogs can be real buddies, but they need more attention."
"Why doesn't God help them to understand each other?"
"Well, maybe they would get along better, if they were able to listen to Jesus."
"So why don't you and Grandpa listen to Jesus?" asked Harold. "You’re the same kind, aren't you? It should be even easier for you to be friends."
I almost missed the exit. "Harold! How Grandpa and I are getting along, is none of your business."
The boys were quiet until we reached our destination. In the silence, thoughts about my marriage gnawed at my mind. Maybe it is time for a change. But how?
Upon my return, I telephoned a fellow volunteer to confirm tonight’s meeting. As I waited for her to answer my call, I realized that the house was empty. Vincent was probably walking with Max, now that the worst heat of the day was over. Or he took the dog for a swim. I smiled--they made a good pair.
Suddenly, a thought popped up. Why don't you surprise Vincent with a dinner for two?
When I got my friend’s voice mail, I heard myself saying, "Hello, it's Martha. I...uhm...I can't make it tonight. Sorry. I'll call you tomorrow. Bye."
I just finished a garden-grown bouquet when Vincent came back. I quickly reached for the lighter.
"Max, no!" The dog stormed into the living room and was about to ruin my long dress with his filthy paws.
"Sorry dear, I didn't know you were home." Vincent entered as I lit the last candle. His eyes scanned the set table. "What--?"
"Surprise!"
"But...why?"
I wrapped my arms around his waist. "Because we're two of a kind. And I love you."
Vincent enveloped me in a powerful hug. “I love you too, darling.” He kissed the top of my head.
I looked down to see Molly brushing up against Max, who sat peacefully on the floor and wagged his tail.
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I love happy endings and things all working out.
Good message and a great feeling at the close...yes!
Well done.
God bless~
"Two pairs of gleaming eyes stared at me through the car's side window." I found that hilarious, because my brain was still thinking "animals", and then I realized they were little boys.
You packed a huge amount of story and deep thought into such a short word limit. That was great.
Thanks for the nice story. It is funny to think of how when we argue (in marriage) it can be a lot like hissing and barking. Good reminder to be respectful in the marriage in front of our children. Probably just what I needed to hear today.
I (had) just finished . . .
You did a wonderful job of keeping me engaged all the way to the end, at which time I was quite satisfied. Good writing!
You did a wonderful job of keeping me engaged all the way to the end, at which time I was quite satisfied. Good writing!
I forgot to mention my slight red-ink. Watch your tenses. (in the closing sentence) You went from present to past tense.
"I looked down to see Molly brushing up against Max, who sat peacefully on the floor and wagged his tail." Might work better as "I looked down to see Molly brushing up against Max, who sat peacefully on the floor wagging his tail." No worries, outstanding piece.
Your first person voice is very strong and likable.
Great job and thanks for giving me something new of yours to read - I've missed seeing them this quarter.
I think you did well with this story. Keep it up.
I love your writing style.
God bless~
Thanks! Trudy