All By Myself

I’m in the office basement. Alone.

The sound of thundering elephants is coming from above, but yet, nobody’s home.

Of course, my mind surmises it’s likely kidnappers and robbers hard at work pillaging. Pillaging what? I can’t say. Because with Dave and Evelyn away, there’s nothing of much value up there anyway.

I’m sure I put Archie out the front door before I came down here. I left him with Sue the Duck to eat the remaining macaroni salad out of a Tupperware.

So on instinct alone, I take two stairs at a time, my heart caught in my throat. If not Archie then who-?

At the top of the stairs, I slide my body against the wall, wrap around it like a ninja, and then jump into the room like I’m giving the best surprise birthday ever. As you can tell I’ve fully committed to the robber idea, and am hell-bent on making use of the Taekwondo skills I learned in the second grade.

Sorry to disappoint you, but it is, in fact, that big loaf of a dog Archie. He’s sprawled out on his back, wiggling and writhing in an itching contest with the carpet, and has left the sliding glass door open upon entry. Because yes, we have a dog that can open a door but not close it.

Before I head back down, I wag my finger at him for causing such a ruckus then double-check the lock on the sliding door.

All that to say, it’s been a good day.

Love,
Jaclynn