Stella: Lady Human, why are you lying on the ground? It is dirty. And why is red stuff dripping from your nose? And why are you carrying that silly little light in your hand?
Me: I was out here with a flashlight, looking for Doodlebug in the dark. I called and called and he didn’t come. Then I tripped over a fallen branch and hit my nose on the ground. How’s that for a story?
Stella: That’s a stupid story. It has no point.
Me: I think the point is to watch where you’re walking, especially in the dark. And carry a big flashlight.
Stella: I hear Doodlebug. He’s chewing on something behind the chicken run.
Me: Uhhh. You know what he said when I fell. “Hmph. Hmph.” Literally. That’s all he said.
Stella: That’s what I would have said.
Me: He hasn’t even come over to check on me.
Stella: Well, you are a human. You have great big human power. But get up! You look like Wiggles does when she’s been rolling around in the dirt. Long, round, and lazy. Like a hot dog. By the way, do you have a hot dog on you?
Me: Why would I have a hot dog on me when I was out here looking for Doodlebug in the dark?
Stella: I don’t know. A barbecue could’ve broken out. Do I need to drag you back into the house, bulldog style?
Me: No, I’ll be all right once I stop my bloody nose. I don’t think you could pull me in by yourself anyway.
Stella: How insulting! You have no idea what I can do in an emergency.
Me: You can do one thing for me. You can pull Doodlebug inside for me.
Stella: Sure thing, Lady Human. I just need a little incentive. You wouldn’t happen to have a hot dog on you, would you?
Copyright 2017 H.J. Hill All Rights Reserved.
Bulldoggy 