“Boof come here. That’s a good boy.” Sabrina sat on the floor hitting her knees.
No way. Does she think I’m an idiot. I won’t be fooled; I’d love to play but I can see that lead falling out of her pocket. Can’t she hear my heart pounding, see the whites of my eyes see me quivering. I know its nice out there but I can’t breathe. I have to stay here. There is one safe place I can go.
“Boof come out from under the house. It’s okay. Maybe we’ll try again tomorrow.” Sabrina hung up the lead.
In response to Charli’s prompt:
April 6, 2016 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a response to an agoraphobic moment. Does your character see the shadows or the light filtering through? This can be used as a character trait or as a moment that causes an anxious reaction. Explore the character’s discomfort — embarrassment, indecision, feeling trapped. The scene can be direct or overheard. Is there a solution when fears are faced?
Respond by April 12, 2016 to be included in the weekly compilation.Rules are here. All writers are welcome!
About Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist
I began my working career as a reluctant potato peeler whilst waiting to commence my training as a student nurse. On completion I worked mainly in intensive care/coronary care; finishing my hospital career as clinical nurse educator in intensive care. A life changing period as a resort owner/manager on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu was followed by recovery time as a farmer at Bucca Wauka. Having discovered I was no farmer and vowing never again to own an animal bigger than myself I took on the Barrington General Store. Here we also ran a five star restaurant. Working the shop of a day 7am - 6pm followed by the restaurant until late was surprisingly more stressful than Tanna. On the sale we decided to retire and renovate our house with the help of a builder friend. Now believing we knew everything about building we set to constructing our own house. Just finished a coal mine decided to set up in our backyard. Definitely time to retire we moved to Queensland. I had been writing a manuscript for some time. In the desire to complete this I enrolled in a post grad certificate in creative Industries which I completed 2013. I followed this by doing a Master of Arts by research graduating in 2017. Now I live to write and write to live.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Love a dog’s take on this prompt! Must have Muffin in mind?
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I wrote it whilst minding another puppy. A play date but the pups panic was palpable. It played happily with Muffin until its owner left and then it took up residence by the front door. Avoiding me if I went near it. I eventually had to let Muffin out to the toilet and I couldn’t get it back inside. It sat at our see through garage gate waiting. As soon as the owner returned its panic abated and it started playing with Muffin. Muffin was not amused having a play date with a pal who wouldn’t play.
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A surprise take on the prompt, A very good read, i can feel the dogs fear.
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Glad you could feel the fear Ellen.
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haha…these creatures can be intelligent 🙂
Loved your take!
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I was minding a puppy. It was supposed to be a play date but there was no play just total fear and concern that he had been abandoned. It gave me the inspiration I had been otherwise totally lacking.
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This reminds me of some horses I’ve had to catch, though they could not hide beneath houses they certainly could bolt at the first sight of the halter. I remember walking with it hidden behind my back in one hand, oats cupped in the other. Love the alternative perspective!
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I think we (whether human or beast) feel it in some degree or other in varying circumstances.
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Hi Irene, it seems ages since I was over at your pad, lovely to ‘see’ you again 🙂 I loved your flash, what a great idea to write from the dog’s perspective. I remember reading an article about dogs with seperation anxiety, ripping the house to shreds when left alone by their owners, and needing doggy prozac…it helped, by all accounts…
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Yes it is horrible to see a dog so stressed. We’ve seen some on television that they secretly record. Devastating. Glad to have you drop by. Hope that means that your Mum is good and your editing is going to schedule. Must be time to walk. ❤ 🙂
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Yes, it is horrible. Ahh…thank you Irene. Yes, Mum is doing well, doing lots of physio to get her left hand moving, which it is more day by day, but it is hard work for her. She doesn’t need carers anymore which is great. She gets tired naturally, and is pacing herself but all good stuff. I got just about where I needed to be in time for the workshop tomorrow in London, nervous but excited! I’ll let you know how it all goes, as will Lisa in her Memoir Monday posts. I’ll be limited with blogging as two days a week now taken up with the workshop and visiting Mum, and making my edits first priority for writing. But I’ll keep tabs on you my friend as best I can, and hopefully blog when I can…oh I wish you and Jeanne could join me and Lisa. Our little memoir group 🙂 But online is the next best thing and I’m so grateful, and for Charli and Carrot Ranch and the amazing literary community she has formed there. Meanwhile, you’re right…time for a walk, a very long walk. Lots to catch up on!!! Hugs… 🙂 ❤
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Glad to hear it is all going well. I will write soon. Am quite jealous of your course with Lisa. Hope it goes well for you and looking forward to the feedback. It is a lovely literary community Charli has formed. Will catch up soon. Love Irene
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Ahh…I so wish you could be there with us Irene. That is the downside of blogging, the special people like you who I can’t meet up with…not to say it wont’ happen one day (and how I so much hope for that..) but for things like this 😦 I hope to be able to bring some good feedback, Lisa will I’m sure. I’m trying to take it all in. A long day for a 2 hour course – 6 hours of travelling, but I enjoyed having something writerly to go to outside the house and get away on the train. I felt like I was escaping ever so slightly lol 😉 I really want to share with you all about the course, I value your feeback and input so much with all your memoir experience. A few there are writing for their own benefit only. One man I sat next to has Asperger’s wouldn’t you know it, and writing about it. I look forward to catching up with you my friend…when you can. I hope you are almost at your finish line…thinking of you running for the post. Lots of love ❤
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It would be fun to be there with you. In spirit I am and one day I’m sure that we will indeed meet up. Will talk soon by email. Lots of love ❤
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Absolutely Irene…lots of love to you, hope you are getting there…not long now my friend… ! 🙂 ❤ xxxx
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No we’ll get there Sherri.
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Ha! Well done, Irene. Even though I’m not a pet owner I am aware of dogs responding in this way – particularly when water and a bath are involved!
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Haha. I can relate to the dog and the bath problem.
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