A Bad Day by Pattie H He awoke with a start. "Omigosh I'm gonna be late. I can't believe I overslept!" Jumping up he flew through the house in a hurried effort to get out the door and on his way. She was sitting there waiting for him the same as every morning. Today there was something different about her. He could sense it even though he couldn't put his finger on it. "Good morning," he said cheerfully. She sat quietly while he completed his morning routine. He continued to chat about whatever came to mind but still she did not reply. The sense of foreboding increased as she remained silent. This was not like her. She wasn't normally loud but the silence was beginning to worry him. He tried everything he could think of to get her to come around. The end result was the same eerie silence. Swearing softly he got up and began to pace. 'I don't need this, not today. Cap said the Chief was dropping by today and I really can't be late. We're going to be busy getting the station prepared. Normally it's ready but Cap gets so freaked out when McConikee is coming. This is not the time for this to happen. God? Please help me!' He sat beside her, his frustration growing. He began to speak and stopped. What could he say that hadn't already been said? The young man looked nervously at his watch and realized he was running out of time. "Man! I can't believe this! What did I do wrong this time? I'm so sorry. What can I do to make this up to you? I'll do a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g...honest!" He reached out and caressed her gently. "I do mean anything." His words were gentle and pleading. The conversation went on for several minutes with no reply. He hung his head in defeat. "I guess it just wasn't meant to be, huh? You've always been there for me. Hardly a day has gone by without you by my side. I tried to do all the right things. I admit I haven't always been as careful as I should. I'm sorry. What else can I say? It won't happen again that's for sure." "In my entire life you are the only one who has never let me down," he sighed. "Until now. C'mon ... please start? If I'm late again Cap will have my head. I sure don't look forward to latrine duty. If I'm late I'll get stuck with that job and Chet will gloat the entire shift. C'mon baby - start - please?!" He tried several more times before she finally turned over. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I promise when I get off shift you'll get that tune-up you need and premium instead of regular. Okay? I promise!" A crooked grin spread slowly across his face and he pulled the Rover out onto the street and headed for Station 51. 'Maybe today isn't going to be such a bad day after all!' |