Figures

Flash Fiction

Figures

Walking through the park, required, by my doctor… Not a spring chicken anymore… I had to give in because there’s no way to know how long you’ll be here. If I knew when I was gonna croak then I could decide if I had to do these boring walks, but I don’t. Actually, I’m pretty sure I really wouldn’t like knowing anyway, however, I’ve been told I’m a tad stubborn. Anyway, it was quite windy. Gusts! So, I had a hat with me, but only whipped it on when I heard the gust coming.

As I turned a corner on the path I spotted a dog. Usually that means their owner is nearby, and I’d need to beware of tossed balls. But this dog was just standing next to a tree, nobody seemed to be around. I had to wonder if it was lost. I like dogs, had many in my lifetime, so I decided to walk over, see if it had a name on its collar.

Getting closer, walking slowly so I wouldn’t frighten it, suddenly I realized it was not a dog! It was a fox! It was beautiful! However, still standing looking right at me, and also, still a wild animal! I’d never seen one at the park before ever! I stopped walking.

The fox spoke. “Do you have any food?”

Surprised, I answered just like I would if it was a human. “Just some bread…”

“Well,” it said, “I’ve had enough bread today… but thanks anyway” and it turned and left!

I blinked, because I couldn’t believe what just happened! Which is also when I woke up, in the hospital… I’d apparently been unconscious when my sister stopped at my house.

The first thing she said to me was, “You should have worn your hat!”

Figures…