stray

Stray Paths by Rhyswith illustration by Wayfarer Eased the old Shovel to a stop. Pulled into the bar parking lot for a quick beer. A little kid approached, not much more than 5, holding a puppy. He held out the dog to me, and I took it to give it a couple of pats. I turned and the kid vanished. Not wanting to let the little guy go on a busy city street I tucked him in my vest and headed home. On the way his little head poke out into the breeze. At home I noticed an injury to the hind quarter. The vet unable to fix, I had to let him go. At least he got to feel the wind in his face. (publication dated 25-March-2024)