Charley's Monologue

A gust of air audibly exited my lungs as I opened the creaky door of my mother’s beat up four door car. Charley didn’t have the same spring in his step that was present in his youth, but he did his best to run over and hop in. I wish he didn’t try so hard. My heart sank as he made vain attempts at pulling himself into the vehicle. I bent down and gave him a little assistance. He was quick to turn around and look at me anxiously. He never felt comfortable if I wasn’t sitting with him. I took my place in the back seat and slowly closed the door. Mom and dad were still inside. Dad was more interested in watching the Patriot’s game, as if his viewership would ensure the loss he desperately wanted for them, and mother always had some frivolous

He had his head resting in my lap, his favorite toy tucked under his right paw. I could still see the youthful exuberance that he once possessed, even if it was hidden under this veil of lethargy that now covered him. I could feel a lump growing in my throat as I thought back to the summer days where he would sit outside as my friends and I played in the pool. He would always howl until we got out or he worked up the courage to jump in. I stroked his hair and began to calm down. I could feel the hair coming off and gave my palm a cursory glance. I was instantly filled with regret, just like I knew I would be. My hand was already covered with his fur. I was disgusted. Not with Charley, but with the fact that he had to deal with this. Nothing should have to live like this, especially my friend. I spent about five minutes just stroking Charley’s head, reminiscing about better times. I noticed that Charley’s tail was wagging with excitement due to being in the car. Charley always had an adventurous spirit. I wasn’t sure if I should be grateful or heart broken because of his inability to comprehend the situation. I decided to take it as a blessing that at least one of us could somehow be a little