By Madeline Mora-Summonte
Jed buys dog food and candy. Outside the store, a girl digs in the dumpster.
Help an old man carry his groceries? He’ll pay, of course. She takes the bags in arms thinner than his. He tells her he rescues strays. Bathes them. Pets them. He points to the dog food. Feeds them.
Hunger gleams in her eyes like tears.
He doesn’t tell her how he slips them into cages. Teaches them tricks. Lets them grab a chocolate through the bars with their grubby little fingers.
Maybe she’d like to see his little zoo? She nods.
He smiles. They always do.
What a nasty piece of business this guy is! Loved the story, Madeline, especially the small and well-drawn details, like how thin her arms are carrying his parcels. Well done!
OOO! Definitely creepy!
Well done!