The Special Order

The Special Order

"Are you sure, Dad?" T'fany asked.

"I'm so proud of you and a promise is a promise. For getting top marks, you can have any pet you want."

T'fany looked through the catalogue, reading each description. Finally, she pointed. "That one, the one with yellow fur," she said with certainty.

"You're in luck," the pet store owner said. "We're expecting a delivery tomorrow and I have time to get your order in. I'll send it over right away."

"Oh Dad, it's just perfect!" beamed T'fany.

"I'm glad you're happy, Angel. Now, let's get going. Mom's waiting and you know how she worries." They both laughed in understanding.

Beth was sitting on the bed thumbing through one of the tabloids she had picked up at the 7-11 earlier.

Why do I buy these things? she chided herself. Three-headed snakes, Big Foot, alien abductions! Who thinks these things up and why would anyone believe this crap?

Beth was restless. She worried over little things. Glancing at the clock, she saw it was 9:00.

Walking to the window, she glanced out into the darkness but turned away quickly. Nothing to worry about she thought.

A movement caught her eye and she looked up to see her reflection in the mirror. The image showed an attractive woman. She wasn't really beautiful but more striking... that's the word, slid into her thoughts. She smiled, a brilliant flash of white below piercing blue eyes. It's the hair, she thought. A wild mane of blonde hair framed her face.

Beth didn't notice the sky growing brighter behind her. Suddenly, the room filled with a brilliant glow and she felt herself frozen.

"This is a nice specimen," she heard a voice say. She heard papers rustle and then, "Perfect. Looks just like the picture on the order!"

Notes

Word Count: 299

An entry for April 29 "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that takes place in a pet store.

Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you took a moment and left a comment. Your reaction, impressions, criticisms, - yes, even praise are all equally welcome.

Ken