by Diane Gray

Created on: April 21, 2008

The Wait

The late afternoon sky was filled with the noisy bustle and chirping of brilliantly colored turquoise birds. They were headed towards the golden wheat fields across the road to settle down for the night. A small airplane was rumbling its' way across the clear blue New Mexican sky. Its destination was the landing strip at the tiny airport in town. The sweet perfume of bright orange and purple wildflowers was wafting through the air as the early evening winds started to pick up. And the soft sound of the beating of hummingbird wings was starting to drift off. The tiny birds decided that it was time to head for their nightly slumber into the deep woods.

All seemed very peaceful on this lovely, cool autumn night. But two mournful amber eyes did not see the wonder and beauty of nature going to sleep. They were intent on only one thing.

It was two hours after the usual time. What was happening? Did I do something wrong? Am I going to be replaced? Will I ever see him again?

The full-harvest moon started to rise above the horizon. Wisps of oak and maple smoke drifted lazily from the neighbors' chimney onto the porch. The smell was intoxicating. And the night grew very still.

But the soulful amber eyes on the porch never wavered. They were intent on only one thing. The front wooden gate loomed large in the growing shadows. The surrounding fence posts stood ominously still. And the darkness grew.

Where is my special one? There must be some explanation! The amber eyes started to become very sad and anxious.

Slowly, the huge orange moon started to make its journey across the star-studded sky. Crickets hopped from their homes and proceeded to sing their nightly songs. Firefly's blinked white sparks in the dark And the whippoorwills began their harmonies.

But the two amber eyes took no notice of this musical and visual extravaganza. Because every creak and squeak of the wooden gate was memorized for years, hearing was focused on only this place. But still only silence.

With a sigh, the amber eyes fell into a light slumber. Four hours have now passed since the normal time. There was no more noise from the cars passing across the nearby freeway. Everything and everyone seemed to be asleep. Even the crickets and the whippoorwills ended their vocal shows. The night loomed lonely and never-ending.

But suddenly a noise! The metal sound of gate hinges grinding? Could it be?! The amber eyes, now fully awake adjusted to the blackness of night. Towards the front gate they zoomed in. Was it him at last?

"Hi girl," Mr. Brown exclaimed affectionately as he wearily walked inside the gate. "I'm sorry I'm so late, but my plane flight was canceled twice. But I have some delicious people food for you!" As Mr. Brown petted his beloved Australian Shepherd, he unlocked the front door of his house.

The amber eyes were so overjoyed to see her idol that the doggy bag didn't sink in. She jumped and barked and excitedly followed her god inside the house. Once in the kitchen, the master set the leftover steak and baked potato dinner in the special bowl on the floor near the sink. The aroma of the still warm dinner was enticing.

After a thoroughly enjoyable 4:00 AM morning, April's amber eyes contentedly dozed off to sleep at the foot of the master's bed.

He was finally home! And all was now right with her world.

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