Playmate | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Playmate | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gary Ritter
11/30/15
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

“I feel so bad leaving Indy home by himself.” Gary stroked the soft, sleek fur of his cat nestled between his outstretched legs with its head resting on Gary’s right ankle.

Dalia rolled her eyes. “You always stew about this when we go away. It’s Thanksgiving with our families; we’ll only be gone five days. I love Indy, too. He’ll be fine.”

“He’s so sociable with us. He misses us terribly when we’re away.”

“Neal will come by and make sure he’s got food and water. Don’t fret about it.”

“Humph,” Gary said. Under his breath he prayed, “Lord, watch over our little Indy. Let Your Holy Spirit keep him company so he’s not so lonely.”

***

Indy watched out the window as his parents drove away. It was time for a bath, so he licked the back of his paw and rubbed his face clean. When he finished five minutes later he heard a voice.

Indy’s sociability extended only to his human mother and father. Normally, at the sound of anyone else’s voice he freaked, ran, and hid until he once again felt safe. This voice was different. It made him feel warm and wanted. He let out a little meow of delight and ran toward the man who called him.

“I’m Gabriel, Indy. Let’s play.” Gabriel smelled like his mommy and daddy combined. He shone with an inner light. In the midst of their play Gabriel picked up Indy. He’d never felt so good snuggling in anyone’s arms.

***

“Are you still anxious about Indy?” Dalia’s love for Indy was no less than Gary’s, but her husband’s concern for him at these times of extended separation seemed beyond the pale to her.

“He needs us. You know what he’s like when we get back. His hair’s standing on end, his eyes are wild, he can’t stop rubbing his face against us. He burrows into our arms. How can I not worry?” Gary silently repeated his oft-said request: “Father, be with our furry little boy. In Jesus’ Name.”

***

In the normal course of a day, Indy spent much of it in his bed, safe and secure. With Gabriel there Indy had never been more active. They played, they talked to each other, and Indy’s food had never tasted so good as when Gabriel touched it before he ate. Gabriel’s presence left him with little time to think about his parents being gone. During one period of play Gabriel brought Indy some friends that looked, smelled, and acted just like him. Gabriel told him they were his brothers and sisters that he’d long since forgotten. What a family reunion they had! After their playtime Indy’s littermates left, but Gabriel promised he’d see them again, and the wonderful glow he felt inside remained with him.

***

“Gary, why are you fidgeting? We’re almost home.”

“I just want to get there to make sure Indy’s all right.”

Dalia inwardly sighed. She pressed harder on the gas pedal. The bare trees whizzed by. As they pulled into their driveway, Gary sat up straighter and looked ready to bolt. The car came to a halt and he did. He grabbed his backpack and made for the front door.

Indy heard Gary’s voice and cautiously came out from hiding. Seeing that it was his father he trotted quickly to him and gave a plaintive mew. Gary snatched him up and cuddled him, saying, “We finally made it, Indy. You must be so lonely. You had nobody to love you all this time, and nothing to do. I’m sure glad we’re back. I know you’re happy we’re here. Look! Here comes your mom.”

Indy saw Dalia coming up the walk. Inside, she held out her arms. “Come on, Indy.” He practically leaped from Gary to Dalia.

The house was cold from Dalia lowering the temperature before they left. “Poor thing,” Gary said. “He almost froze to death.”

“He has a fur coat. He was plenty warm.” Dalia took out Indy’s brush. He saw it and yelped in glee. Being brushed was the best, next to a big bowl of Friskies Shreds his dad often gave him for breakfast.

That evening all three gathered in the living room, Indy once again protected on the sofa between his dad’s knees. His purring filled the room. He’d experienced a little bit of heaven while his parents were gone, but no one could ever take their place.

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.