In a Perfect World

An idyllic Saturday evening scene- on our street, little kids play ‘touch and go’. Excited shrieks and laughter warm the chilled February air, pavement alive with little feet's patter. My neighbor’s Golden Labrador does it again: he slips out just as his owner drives through the tall, wide open iron gate. Marley runs after the laughter- playful, in his ferocious way. Neighbor stops, engine idling, and looks intently as a frightened child, no more than ten, runs screaming in terror. In hot pursuit, teeth bared, barking with all his might, Marley obviously enjoys the chase. I command the dog to stop as I reach the child, his body trembling. I look at my neighbor's eyes - waiting. He lowers his lashes, shifts the gear, tells his help to get Marley, and goes on his way. In a perfect world, a little child would not know the meaning of terror and passive cruelty, all in one breath. He would not have to feel less valued than a pricey, crossbreed dog. 17 February 2016 Catie Lindsey's In a Perfect World Contest