By Stephen Lodge
Usually if I couldn’t sleep I’d walk the dog to the bakery and buy fresh rolls.
But a couple of days ago, he’d run off to fetch a stick and not returned. I’d searched everywhere. Calling him. Wishing I hadn’t named him Bonehead. No replying bark. Some strange looks, though.
As I paced my apartment I noticed a piece of paper had been pushed through my letterbox. It read “Bring $7000 to west gate of park. Noon. Alone ensures safe return of your cat.” The word ‘cat’ had been crossed out and ‘dog’ written in pencil. Clearly these were serial petnappers.
On a very high quality day, the “Bonehead” line is my favourite moment. Lines like that are a dime-a-dozen UNLESS they are expertly set up and delivered, which this one was.
Before reading the last sentence I thought the crossing-out was a comment on the said Bonehead. (Which I suppose it still could be.)
Dear Jack, thank u so much for your comments. I value yr advice & suggestions too. Let me wish u a healthy happy & successful 2016. Thank u again.
Clever story. I especially like the bonehead line and last lint. Great sense of humor.
Thank u so much for yr comments. Really appreciated. Wishing u a healthy happy & successful 2016.
Loved it!
Thank u so much John. Hope u have a healthy happy and successful 2016.
This is such a fun story. Brilliantly written Stephen.
Great to hear from you and thank you so much for your comment, Jyoti. I am so happy you enjoyed the story. Best wishes for 2016
What else can I say, Stephen? This one is really different, and the title is PERFECT. Hope to see more of your work.
Thanks so much for your comment, Bobby. Very kind of you and yes I hope that you will get to reading more of my stories. My best wishes.