Keep in mind that NO ONE has ever seen this, so the editing will be very shoddy.
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Terrie awoke to the irritating howl of the alarm that was stationed strategically across the room on the dresser. A lifelong addiction to unconsciously smacking the snooze button, or worse, actually turning the demon device off had led him to placing the contraption across the room. Thus far the strategy hadn’t failed him. Something about tripping over the clothes on the floor and blearily smacking the alarm had the effect of thoroughly drawing him from the deep recesses of sleep and back into the stark potency of reality.
Throwing back the covers and feeling the icy touch of the room’s air on his sleep warmed flesh, he threw his legs over the side of the bed. Blinking away eye boogers and rubbing one persistent one away with his finger, he lunged to his feet. Several vertebrae made loud popping noises and Terrie grunted. At 32, he could distinctly remember not waking to these sounds only a few years ago. He didn’t consider himself an old man by any means, but there were parts that were clearly not functioning as well as they had just a few years ago. He supposed it wasn’t going to get any better, so he pushed the thoughts out of his mind.
Shuffling over to the droning, mind numbing electronic noise he finally made it and gave the appliance its due punishment. Silence ensued. A small nagging voice in the back of his mind whispered that lying down again just for a few minutes would have no harm. Just ten minutes… what’s ten minutes? He knew this voice well, however. He sighed and snorted a little. Turning from the bed, he made his way toward the bathroom where another, louder voice, was insisting he go. After finding relief, he peered at his face in the mirror. Pale, sleep creased, and stubbly, Terrie was surprised by what sleep did to the appearance of people. How strange sleep is, he thought. En mass, the whole of humanity, regionally of course, climbed into soft platforms, closed their eyes and rendered themselves completely vulnerable to the whims of whatever creeps in the dark. So strange. It was really startling that more terrible things didn’t happen during that time from eyes closed to eyes opened for the population. It was almost as if there was an unspoken agreement between people deep in the ID or Ego or whatever that said, “hey, let’s not mess with each other during this time. Ok?” Excepting for those few violators that decided to conduct their crimes in the homes of sleeping people, the agreement has appeared to hold for eons. And isn’t there some extra horror added to the crimes of people who murder people in their sleep? Isn’t there some societal extra-abhorrence added to those cowards who violate the no hurting people during sleepy-time principle. Terrie thought so.
His attention was brought back to the present by a cold wet sensation in the sensitive spot directly behind his knee. Terrie, smiling, looked down to see Gulliver’s snout poking him there. Gulliver had been Terrie’s housemate for the past seven years. Terrie found that of all the housemates he had ever had that Gulliver was, hands down, the best. The Golden Retriever had been the runt of a litter that one of Terrie’s friends from work had bred. Being the runt meant that it wouldn’t sell as well as the rest and Terrie’s friend had opted to give him away to Terrie as a gift. Truth be told, the friend had owed Terrie a bit of money and was hoping that the tiny golden puffball would make things even. Initially, Terrie hadn’t been sure about taking on a puppy. He had just been exiting a particularly bad ending to a lengthy relationship and thought he needed some alone time. However, as people generally are terrible assessors of what they actually need, Terrie soon found that having the puppy around had been therapeutic.
Gulliver became his best friend and started going everywhere with him. This caused some problems at first, but eventually the places that Terrie and Gulliver frequented became used to the two being together and started enjoying seeing the dog as much, if not more, as seeing Terrie.
The back of the knee nuzzle was a morning ritual between the two of them. This was Gulliver speak for, “Hey buddy, you got to pee, how about letting the rest of us find the same relief.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah… I’m coming.” Terrie said while eyeballing the dog in the mirror. With this address, Gulliver’s tail started whipping back and forth with gusto. Terrie squeezed past the dog in the doorway and grabbed his tee-shirt from over the back of the chair he’d thrown it on. Wearing this and a pair of boxers, they both exited the bedroom and headed to the sliding door at the back of the house. As Terrie dislodged the various locking mechanisms on the slider (Subconscious agreement or no, he wasn’t trusting in the collective goodness of man to keep him safe while sleeping). By now Gulliver’s whole rear was wagging out of sequence with his raging tail. Grinning a little, Terrie slid the door open just a little and Gulliver plunged his nose into the opening. Terrie left it there watching to see the dog’s reaction to this little game they played often. Gulliver backed up and looked up at Terrie with a flat look. Terrie enjoyed this game, but it was apparent the dog was longing for a day where he got to have the upper hand in the teasing. Laughing a little, Terrie opened the door all the way and Gulliver rushed out and headed to the grass past the patio and began sniffing loudly into the grass with enthusiasm.
“Gully, it’s the same yard as it was yesterday. What are you hoping to find here today that wasn’t here yesterday, eh pooch?” The dog ignored him and continued his investigation of the small green plot that made up the backyard. The backyard was shared between several houses that backed up to the same area. Standing in the cool morning, Terrie could see the back yards of five other houses; all in various degrees of repair and disrepair.
“Nice legs, Terrie.” The deep voice came from Terries left and he looked up to see the familiar face of his neighbor, Craig. Craig was squatted next to a lawnmower with a gas can sitting next to him.
“Hey, thanks. I have been going for the pale hairy look. How am I doing?”
“Hmmmm… I will give you a seven for hairy and a ten for pale.” Craig replied.
“Seven? Wow. I was really thinking I would be getting at least a nine. If this is seven, I am afraid to see your ten.”
“I come from Greek/Italian heritage, man. There have been bigfoot sightings when my family goes to the beach, if that gives you any indication.”
“Yikes. Maria stilled married you? That’s amazing. Do you shed?” Terrie took a few steps toward the chain link that separated their yards. Gulliver was sniffing closer to his favored latrine location in the back corner of the lot.
“Har har. Clever. No, I don’t shed… much. Say, you mind not heading to close to that chain link in your current attire. I don’t need the neighbors thinking it strange that we are sitting here chatting here with you in your un-mentionables, ok. I’ve got enough trouble with the sasquatch thing already.” Craig made to look around the yard area and Terrie laughed.
Gulliver, having finished his inspection and duty, sauntered over to the fence to inspect Craig’s doings.
“Hey there, fella, this guy treating you ok?” Gulliver’s tongue lolled out and the retriever’s grin started at being addressed. “You say the word and I will come rescue you from this pale hairless sissy.” Gulliver pawed at the fence in what seemed like a plea.
“Hold on a second there, mutt. What’s this about? You’re going to abandon me for this lout? Is this for the door tease earlier? You know, Craig and Monica are vegetarians, right? Say good bye to chicken bones and steak gristle.” Gulliver looked back at Terrie and back at Craig. Suddenly, Gulliver was gone in a golden blur across the backyard. A squirrel had dared to set paw in the yard and the dog had an irrational dislike of the small creatures.
“I think that dog has ADD. Have you considered having him medicated?” Craig said smiling as he watched the dog circle the tree that the squirrel and retreated to.
“No. I don’t have good insurance and the meds cost a bundle. Anyway, Gulliver insists that drugs would hamper his creative drive.”
“Of course. I should have thought of that.” Craig replied turning his attention back to the mower.
“Ok, Cujo, let’s go. I’ve got things to do and standing out here in my skivvies is sure to cause marital issues throughout the neighborhood if I stay here too long.” Terrie heard Craig snort and Gulliver took a couple last sniffs of the tree and scoped the branches one last time and trotted back over to Terrie. “Hey, why don’t you do my yard while you are at it, there Mr. Motivation.”
“You bet. I’ll get right on that. I’ll do your laundry and make you dinner while I’m at it.” Craig said without even looking back at Terrie.
Smiling, Terrie replied, “Perfect. I can see why Monica married you now, in spite of your hygiene issues.”
Craig nodded, saying, “Gully, my offer stands. Don’t believe the oaf about the vegetarian thing, either. He’s just spreading malicious rumors with that nonsense. You know where I live if you change your mind. I will free you from the clutches of this madman.” Gulliver looked back at Craig and barked once. Terrie laughed and was once again reminded how much Gully seemed to be aware of things.
“Seeya, Craig.”
“Seeya.” Terrie and the dog reentered the house. Terrie filled Gulliver’s water and food bowl and headed to the kitchen for his own breakfast.
Shortly after breakfast, Terrie was dressed in a light running suit and was sitting on the end of his bed lacing his shoes. The lacing was taking longer than it needed to due to Gulliver’s excited intervention. Knowing that this ensemble and these shoes indicated a run in the park, Gulliver had ramped up his excitement and was busy stepping all over Terries hands and licking Terries face. This made actually tying his shoes nearly impossible.
“Ok.. Ok.. Hey, if you want to go, you’ve got to let me finish tying these things, dude.” Gulliver relented and sat on his haunches and barked, his tail making swishing motions across the floor. With the reprieve from the dog’s affection, Terrie finished his shoes. Seeing that this was accomplished, Gulliver ran from the bedroom and headed to the door leading to the garage.
Terrie grabbed his keys and wallet and headed out to the garage. Terrie opened the car door and Gulliver jumped in and immediately found his favored spot in the passenger seat of the Range Rover. Terrie climbed in, pressed the garage door opener and started the SUV.
“Did you want to drive? I always forget to ask.” Terrie looked at the dog and Gulliver chuffed in a distinctly annoyed way. Terrie smiled and backed out of the garage hitting the accelerator and brakes just a little more than he needed to give Gulliver a hard time.
Johnson Park was crowded on this sunny Saturday morning. There were a lot of families using the playground equipment. In the large open area there were numerous couples on blankets in various degrees of eating, talking or just reading. The track that coursed throughout the park was scattered with walkers, runners, and stroller pushers. Terrie loved the activity of the park. The crisp autumn air filled his lungs and the blue sky over head rendered life nearly utopian. No thought of Monday’s work load allowed to creep in and dampen this excellent day.
Locking the Rover, Terrie and Gulliver, now securely on a leash, headed over to the crushed granite trail and took off on the last run of Terrie’s life.
Terrie sat catching his breath on a bench near the place where he and Gulliver had begun their run only forty-five minutes before. The run had been excellent and Gulliver looked as though it had been good for him, too. Terrie’s clothes were soaked with sweat and the crisp air was causing the wet clothes to become icy wherever it came into contact with his skin. Gulliver was panting heavily and watching all the other people in the park with interest.
“Good run, eh pooch?” Gulliver turned back to Terrie at the sound of his voice and moved a little closer and licked Terrie’s hand. “Yeah, it wasn’t bad. I’d like to get a little more distance in the same time, but that’ll work for today. You thirsty?” Gulliver again moved a little closer and nudged Terrie’s hand wanting to be petted. Terrie looked around and spotted the drinking fountain a little ways off that had both a doggy fountain and a human one. Terrie stood and he and Gulliver headed over to the fountain. Holding the button first for the dog, Terrie watched the dog drink sloppily and hurriedly. When Gulliver had finished his first round of drinking, Terrie took his own turn letting the cold water fill his mouth and hit his stomach like an iceberg. It was amazingly sweet.
“That’s a beautiful golden. What’s its name?” Terrie was startled out of his water reverie at the sound of the soft feminine voice addressing him. He turned his head standing up quickly wiping the dripping water from his mouth feeling a bit like he looked like barbarian. She was medium height and very pretty with blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail dressed in a running outfit as he was. He was suddenly conscious of all the sweat soaked spots on his clothes and knew for certainty that he smelled like a buffalo three days dead.
Clearing his throat, Terrie said, “Gulliver. His name is Gulliver. Don’t let him fool you though, he is terribly vicious. He is actually wanted by the FBI.”
The cute blonde smiled wryly, “Oh, I am sure. That wagging tail and docile expression really just screams man eater.” Gulliver, sensing the conversation was about him, chuffed and moved to the woman and sniffed her shoes. “Hello there, Gulliver.” She squatted and began to pet the dog while getting the dog to look her in the face. Gulliver’s tail was at full throttle now. He lashed out with his tongue and got the lady in the face with a long swipe.
“Oh lovely, ok Gulliver, I am not sure she is ready for that kind of commitment.” Terrie pulled Gulliver back a little testing to see how the woman would respond.
“Oh, it’s fine. I love it. What a good dog.” She laughed and began scratching Gulliver behind the ears.
“Ok, but I am just saying, he licks all the ladies…” Terrie said wondering if he had pushed the envelope too far with that last joke.
“I bet he does. Look at him. Completely irresistible.” She replied causing Terrie too feel relief course through him that she had a good sense of humor.
“Yeah, it’s hard to bring…” Terrie’s words were suddenly cut off by Gulliver who had stiffened abruptly. The previously wagging tail went rigid and his lolling tongue and whipped back into his mouth which had closed with a sort of wet clomp. “Gully, are you ok?”
With a speed that Terrie had never seen before, Gulliver lunged forward and tore into the woman’s throat with his jaws. The woman flew backward, landing on her back with Gulliver following to land on top of her. Terrie was jerked forward as he still held the dog’s leash. Terrie watched in horror as blood bubbled from around Gulliver’s muzzle as he closed his jaws tighter and started to shake the woman’s head back and forth. For her part, the woman attempted to beat at the dog’s head with her clenched fists. Gulliver, however, seemed unfazed by the blows. Terrie could see the fear in the woman’s eyes that was slowly fading to unconsciousness with the loss of blood and oxygen to her brain.
Terrie suddenly came to himself and yanked on the leash with all his might. Gulliver came up on his hind legs, dragging the woman, now no longer beating at the dog, with him. The dog released the woman and she fell backward, her head hitting the pavement with a smack. Gulliver whirled on Terrie and Terrie felt his bladder release. Gulliver’s muzzle was covered in blood and gore. His normally brown gentle eyes had transformed into brown and black portals of hate. His teeth were bared and pieces of flesh were caught in them. When Gulliver snarled, spittle flew from his maw and landed on Terrie’s shoes.
Terrie stumbled backward forgetting to release the leash. “Gull..Gull…Gulliver, boy… What’s go…go..going…” He never finished his question. Gulliver launched from the ground and plowed into Terrie’s chest with all of his weight. Terrie tripped over the doggy fountain behind him and fell to the ground. Gulliver was on him immediately. Terrie felt the dog’s jaws close on his neck and thought about how blue the sky looked as darkness closed in and screaming echoed in his ears.
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