Ficlets

Streetlights passed the windshield like miniature suns illuminating the wet, dark street ahead. It was a cold evening as I drove through seemingly empty streets with soft sounds of Jazz playing through my radio. I made my way home in no particular hurry. As I pulled into my driveway, I thought I saw something move in the bushes. I killed the engine and opened my door cautiously as I wasn’t sure what this something could be. I drew closer and heard whimpering. Thinking it was one of the neighborhood children I reached out my hand and asked if everything was ok. The rain was beginning to pick up so I asked again before we both ended up with colds. At that moment my hand felt a lick. I snatched my hand away. “This child is crazy!” I thought. Before I had a chance to finish my thoughts I heard small bells ringing. A few seconds later the figure emerged. I breathed a sigh of relief as it was only a small, wet dog who had taken up shelter in my yard. “Hungry?” I asked as we walked into the house & out of the rain.