Contributed by Nan Potts
Silver, reflected in golden eyes. If you looked closer, bits of blue and red accessorized the metallic surface. It stared. Neither twitch nor blink but a steady gaze, almost insatiable, on a target — with one goal.
I held witness to this type of engagement before. Most of the time it was deadly. Now, the odds were in my favor and I was determined to succeed!
A pinkish tongue appeared, taking a swipe of a fleshy lip, yawned and licked again. Teeth showed. Although worn over time, still endured with strength, capable of removing limbs or even small heads.
I swallowed hard, preparing myself to oppose my foe. I shifted in my seat, trying to seek an advantage over this cleaver beast.
An ever so sight change in position and I knew the time was ripe to make the first move. The yellow head lowered in such a stealthy manner that was difficult to detect. But there, it was going in for the kill!
How should I counter? I startled myself by asking that question. No time, respond! No longer rational, I instinctively kept one hand on the steering wheel as the other darted forward and snatched the target. He lunged as well, jamming his wet black nose into the back of my hand. I heard a crackling sound as my fingers closed around object. The cur rapidly withdrew, its yellow body slipped and skidded on the center console to regain its composure. It, had missed!
Drawing the prize to me, I laughed aloud, rejoicing in my triumph. Quickly, I placed a corner of it between my teeth and tore the shiny wrapper apart, spitting it on to the car floor. With such swiftness and deftness, I popped it into my mouth. A wave of exhilaration and satisfaction swept over me. An aaaah escaped from me as the morsel began to melt and ooze down my throat.
Not allowing my eyes to leave the road assisted my adversary to save face. I stole a brief tousle behind one ear and gave a gentle word, “Dogs can’t eat chocolate.”
