I Wanted a Dog
a micro fiction
The cat wouldn’t die.
My daughter found him curled on a tree branch, staring down lazily. Already fully grown, sleek, one black sock, one white mitten.
Didn’t smell. Didn’t misbehave. Didn’t whine.
We kept him inside. Every evening, he turned up on the stoop, an unflinching silhouette. I would find dead animals around the neighborhood: bigger cats, a coyote, birds of prey. His pristine litter box hid a collection of collars.
#
I don’t think I did wrong. It was to save my sanity.
My daughter honored the years we had him: 1956–1974. Eighteen fucking years.
He would have lived forever.
Photographer: moominsean
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Thank you for reading! This is part of a micro fiction series where I take a photo and write a story inspired by it. Each story is 100 words.
If you enjoyed, you might like this one:
About the Creator
Mackenzie Davis
Most stories are reverted to Drafts, but will keep up resources & posts that hold community significance. May drop in for tips or updates.
My love & gratitude to you all.
It's time to pivot.
Boycott ALL A.I. \ Copyright Mackenzie Davis
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More stories from Mackenzie Davis and writers in Fiction and other communities.
When the Shelter Closes
Across the street from my house, a man slept under a tree, his dog by his side. My first, naive thought: he must be traveling through. But he kept coming back, often sleeping there during the day. Then it hit me—that person might not have a home.
By Bride of Sound2 days ago in Humans
Comments (4)
It's like a micro portion of Edgar Poe :-) Cruel! Poisoned?
Lol, he was one heck of a cat!
That first line is so clever and provocative, you HAVE to read the rest. Amazing stuff, really - wish I could write like you!
I love your project and this piece! Chilling, satisfying, with a touch of mystery.