Monday Flash Fic: Snowmen

Snowmen

I stared at the tableau in front of me, unable to believe my eyes. What the fuck...?

“Take the dog for a walk.”

Caroline smiled at me when she said the words. I glanced at the snow and back at her, wondering if she could possibly be serious. I mean, it’s not as if I make a secret of my dislike of the cold.

“Go on. He’ll burst if he doesn’t get his walk soon and I don’t have time to do it right now.” As if to prove her point she turned to the kitchen and opened the freezer.

I sighed and made a huge show of putting on my snow boots and securing the leash to Bastian’s collar. It didn’t make a difference; Caroline didn’t pay any attention to me or my antics. After stalling for as long as I possibly could I opened the door and stepped into the snow.

 I had every intention of making this the shortest walk in the history of dog-walks, but apparently the animal had different ideas. In fact, for a dog who was supposed to be bursting he took his time before raising his paw for the first time. As for taking care of other business; he didn’t seem to have any need.

Unfortunately he wasn’t inclined to go back home either. For the first time since we got Bastian as a cute puppy I regretted getting a German Shepherd as a pet. He pulled on the leash and I’d no choice but to follow along. Trying to stand my ground – never mind walk in the opposite direction – would have ended with me on my ass in the snow and I wanted to avoid that, if at all possible. I was cold enough as it was.

Bastian led me to the clearing as if he knew what we would find here. About five yards away from the three snowmen in their cosy set-up, he stopped walking and sat down. He tilted his head and looked up at me. If I hadn’t known better, I would have sworn he had a grin on his face.

I couldn’t take my eyes of the display. Caroline and I had made a snowman each the first winter we were together. The next time it snowed I’d told her how much I hated the cold and we’d never done it again.

Bastian followed me as I approached the table and sat down again when I reached it. I studied the snow family before looking at the table and picking up the note, secured underneath a bottle.

And then there were three. You better learn to enjoy it; our child may like snow as much as I do. Congratulations dad-to-be. Love, C.

I was only barely aware of Bastian licking my hand as tears sprang to my eyes.

****

This picture was, once again, provided by Theo Fenraven who turns out to be a true treasure-trove when it comes to inspirational photos. As always links to more flashes, based on the same picture, can be found in the Monday Flash Fic Facebook group.