Writing Outside the Lines – Prompt 43 – Max & John

Source: Unknown

Max & John

A story of two minds.

Max:

Let me introduce myself. My name is Max and I belong to the human in the picture above. We are compatible enough and enjoy each other’s company. He feeds me what I like to eat and gives me yummy treats after out bedtime walk. My human is called John. Like Max is a name that fits me – John is a name that fits him. We have been together for a long time, I think, but being a dog, time is something I don’t really understand.

John says every day he feels like he is outside looking in … which I don’t understand either. He is a writer and makes new paper balls every day for me to play with as he works. Sometimes in a panic, he searches through my paper balls to find something he didn’t really want to give me. John smooths out the retrieved ball and pins it to the wall.

We have a regular schedule each day. Up at dawn, a quick breakfast then a long morning walk. I love that time of day and the walk because John lets me run free for most of the walk. He knows I love to explore, sniff, chase the random rabbit or squirrel and then have a quick swim in the creek running through the back of his property. John keeps up most of the time and I always make sure to keep him in sight because he gets a far away look in his eye as we walk. He enjoys a second cup of coffee and I think he is writing in his mind during this special time. By the time we get home, I am dry from my swim, but John uses my special towel hanging on the screen porch to make sure. I give myself a good shake to be sure and because I love to listen to my collar tags jingle. This always makes John laugh and then give me a good head scratch. We spend a few minutes listening to the birds greet the sun then go inside to work.

John:

This morning during my walk with Max I finally decided to make the man in the picture be on the outside of the house … wondering about the inside. Max has to be part of the story, but where is he … inside or out?

As I turn to a new blank page, Max curls up at my feet as always when I first begin writing. He naps and I weave a story about the man in the picture. During our walk, I decided he would be called Joe after my grandfather. That is a strong simple name and will fit the man as his story unfolds.

Joe lost his family in a tragic accident and is constantly drawn to the house down the lane from where he now lives alone. I still have more thinking to do before I find more words of his story. I have a great start and with Max’s help during our walks, I will soon know the full story Joe has to tell.

Max:

I don’t know what John did this morning but I didn’t get any paper balls. I did get a great nap and now it’s time for lunch! John is making a roast beef sandwich and he knows that is my absolute favorite. I sit patiently with a smile on my face as John makes thin slices knowing I will get my share.

“Max, I found Joe outside this morning and I really like him. You will like him too!” John told me as he filled my bowl with yummy roast beef.

We were both smiling, me for my lunch and John for his story break through. Next, we will have a long afternoon nap and a quick walk before dinner so John can find more of Joe’s story. I can’t wait to have new paper balls to play with while he talks to Joe.

Copyright © 2016 Annie Original Flash Fiction
Always…I wish you peace, joy and happiness, but most of all I wish you Love.
As Ever, Annie