Best Intentions

Prompt:
Write a story or poem about being granted a second chance.

441 words.

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"I DON'T WANT A DOG!"

The sob was heard, loud and clear.

"But.... you loved April," said her mother. 

"I don't want a dog," sniffled Megan again. The Bichon Frise puppy cocked his head and cheerfully nudged her shin. "No one c--ca--can."  She hiccuped and held her breath. "Re--pp-pplace h-her."  Megan still sometimes expected to see her beloved spaniel waiting at the bottom of the stairs or wagging her tail as she came home from school. When April died two months ago, Megan gathered all the dog beds and threw them away, far removed from sight. But she still couldn't get April out of her mind...her heart.

Maybe her parents' intentions were good, but she couldn't stand the sight of another... dog.

"I'm sure we can work through this," said Megan's dad calmly. "Meg, you need to stop thinking about April." The Bichon wagged his tail as if agreeing. Maybe he was agreeing.

"No," Megan glared at the Bichon puppy as if he was to blame for April's death. His tail fell limp and he lay down on his side.

"You need to stop it, honey," her mom was rambling. Again. She picked up the puppy, but he seemed to understand that Megan wanted him OUT. And now. "At least give him a chance!" she bounced the puppy once, but he hung his head and looked at Megan soulfully. Which was a bit of a surprise, since Bichons aren't exactly the reflective type.

"N--no," Meg hiccuped again. Her crying had subsided, and now she felt embarrassed of her tears, considering she was twelve. Her mom gave her a disapproving look and shook her head. "I--can't," Megan mumbled, pushing the puppy away.

"Me-eg!" her dad sighed and hugged her shoulders, but she pulled away.

"Please," she breathed out. "Can y-y-ou just..." she wondered how to tell her parents how to leave. "Go?" she said quietly.

Her mom nodded, and apparently hoping this would let Meg and the puppy have some bonding time, left with her husband.

The puppy thumped his tail, but his head stayed on the ground.

"Hey," Meg said softly. The Bichon's ears flew up. It was the funniest thing she'd seen, and she couldn't help it - she laughed. "You silly," she told him, picking him up.

NO! one part of her screamed. He'll just break your heart!

"I," she gulped. "I think... I'll give you a second chance," she finally go out. "And-- and I know that--" but Megan never got to finish, because the Bichon puppy flew up and started to smother her in kisses.

"Sit," Megan tried, but he continued his slobbery raid. She pushed him off and he sat on his bottom.

He was learning.

They were both learning.... slowly, but they were.