Short Stories

Just a Swim

Just a Swim
By: Mary Morrison
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"The love of a dog is a pure thing.
He gives you a trust which is total.
You must not betray it."
-Michel Houellebecq-
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I huffed and puffed as Apache, my MWD, and I ran with the platoon. Jay ran up beside me and kept up with my pace. We were at the front of the pack so Apache wouldn't get sidetracked. "Come on, Cameron. Run faster! You're not going fast enough!" Jay joked as he ran alongside of me.
"Payne, I'm going to push you into that lake over there if you don't shut up!" I threatened as I wheezed in a breath. Exercise has never been my forte. I believe Apache was panting as hard as I was. We were on the second mile of our run, and I was ready to pass out which was not a good sign at all. Some idiot in our platoon decided to play a joke on the Drill Sergeant, which earned the whole platoon a five mile run. It's easy for the other guys because they don't have to run with a dog! They also have long legs. Me being a lady and 5'2 ½ did not help matters. The idiot that got us into this mess was one of my best friends named Alex Johnson. I about killed him after the Drill Sergeant left the barracks.
"It's not that bad. Just take in a deep breath of that morning air," Jay said as he took a deep breath in through his nose to emphasize his statement.
"You really want to go in that lake, don't you?" I grumbled as I kept on running. Jay laughed as he sped up to keep up with me. Apache started growling lowly as we neared ducks that were playing in the lake. He's still a young pup so he's very hyper. "Apache, stay focused," I begged. Jay gave me a worried look as we kept jogging. Apache kept growling as we got closer to the ducks.
"He really doesn't like those ducks, does he?" Jay asked with a chuckle. I glared at him as I pulled back on Apache's leash. Apache started tugging hard against the leash until he was almost choking himself.
"Apache, heel!" I commanded as I stopped running and tried to pull the dog away. My command went in one ear and out the next. I pulled back with all the strength I had until I heard a loud snap. I looked down to see that the leash snapped in half, allowing Apache to run after the ducks. Jay and I looked at each other before sprinting after the dog. The men that were running behind us stopped in their tracks to see what was going on.
"Apache!" I called as I dove into the water after him. The guys laughed as Jay and I ran through the water to catch the mutt. Jay slipped and splashed in the water causing the guys to laugh even harder. Apache kept chasing after the ducks and nipped at their feet. The Drill Sergeant walked up behind the men that were pointing and laughing at us. This can't be good.
' "Payne! Thompson! Did you two decide to play in the water?" he yelled in annoyance. I knew that man had something against me. The guys that were laughing stood at attention upon hearing his voice. I grabbed Apache's harness and pulled him to shore. Jay followed like a lost, soaked puppy. The Drill Sergeant marched down the bank and stood in front of us. Jay and I stood at attention in front of him and waited for the yelling to begin. We were dripping wet from head to toe. Our PT gear was wringing wet. Needless to say, we were miserable.
"Come with me," he said in a low, calm voice. Jay and I followed without a fight. My shoes squished and squeaked the whole way to his office. Dear God, please be with us.