Spirits

Chapter 4

The storm slowly subsides, just like the terror this night has brought me. Disturbing thoughts rush through my head and start to encroach every thought.

How can this happen... how could I see it... what will happen next... will I have to run my whole life?

My stomach cringes, giving me the feeling of falling, my breath quickens, and I start to perspire profusely. The anxiety begins to set in and just as I feel a panic attack come on, Zeus rushes to my side. His eyes locked into mine, almost to give a reassuring gaze. He walks over nudging me to the recliner, I take the hint and sit down. A perfect spot to warm up and snuggle up to my new found protector. He then looks back, making sure I've begun to calm down. I give him a quick smile and he seems to take the hint and lays on my feet. I decide its best to focus on my breathing, thinking isn't going to do much good and better to attempt relaxing. Dozing off slowly I can hear the distant rumble of thunder in the distance. My breathing finally starting to regulate, heart rate decreasing as I fall into a deep restful sleep.

A bright beam of sunlight wakes me, blinding me as I go adjust the shutters. I slowly look around and stretch my arms up as I yawn, turning side to side, cracking my back.

That recliner probably wasn't the best idea last night. I think to myself, walking in to the kitchen to start up a pot of coffee.

The coffee starts to brew, and the savory aroma of the coffee grounds is heavenly. I look around, confused for a moment and wonder where Zeus has gone off to. Granted I knew he wouldn't be at my feet all night, but I was hoping he would at least greet me good morning. Just as I turn the corner walking over to the hallway, he trots out of the bathroom. Tail wagging, ears perked up and greets me with a happy yip.

"I'm guessing someone wants some breakfast before we head to town huh boy?"

He runs in a circle and begins chasing his tail, excited for our next adventure. I smile down at him and get onto his level, giving him ear scratches and a big kiss on his forehead. He reciprocates by licking my face and accidently head butts me while doing it, almost causing me to fall over. I laugh, like I said before it had really been awhile since I had felt this way. I was happy, laughing and not feeling this horrible darkness holding me down. Zeus was the best distraction I could ever ask for, yet a thought kept crossing my mind. What if he already had a home, a family? I stopped myself, I'll worry about it later but for now it's time to live in the moment. I go the the cupboard and pour out some food for Zeus, he leaps straight up impatiently.

"Alright you crazy boy, bon appetit!" The coffee maker beeps, "Oooh caffeine, that's my kind of breakfast." Zeus looks up gives me a look, and then continues to chow down. I go to grab my favorite coffee cup, my go to Star Wars mug. Chewie and Han on the millenium falcon, it was heat activated too. As soon as I poured the coffee, the background changed from black into them jumping into hyperspace. Sipping my coffee I decide to get dressed and get ready to head to town. I throw something on fast and look for my keys. Typical me, always misplacing things it takes me awhile but finally I find them in the pockets of shorts from the other day. Grabbing my purse I yell to Zeus that it's time to go. He rumbles down the hallway and gives an excited bark. Walking to the car, the cool breeze blows my hair across my face. I should of brought a hair tie, when a cold front moves through the wind is relentless. Opening the car door something catches my eye, something out of place. On the edge of the property something gray and tattered, its familiar. As I move closer my heart stops, my elephant... the same one from the accident. It was in the cellar when I was downstairs the other day, so I looked at it confused. The door was shut so it wasn't like Zeus could have gotten to it, plus its on a high shelf, in a box.

As I go to pick it up I hear Zeus let out a low deep growl, letting out a sharp bark which makes every hair on my body stand straight up. Slowly I turn to look at him, he's looking past me again, eyes locked on something. I look back to the elephant again, but nothing is there. I reach my arm out to pick up the elephant and that's when Zeus lets out a series of deep barks. It's as if he's yelling at me, trying to stop me from going any closer.

"Zeus, what has gotten into you?!" I scream at him, his hair is on edge like last night, hairs on his spine and lower back sticking straight up. The whites of his teeth showing and lips curled back, spit spewing out with every bark. That's when I stop and hear a blood curdling screech. Similar but not quite the same as the noise from last night. I bolt over, grabbing the elephant and scream for Zeus to get into the car. He averts his gaze, letting out another fierce bark and dives into the backseat. I slide the keys into the ignition and slam the car into drive, pushing down into the accelerator with all my might. We speed down the road, getting farther and farther away from the cabin, away from it. It was about a 20 minute drive to town, and I figured better to leave then to stay. The hairs on the back of my neck were still standing up, the shivering sensation creeping up to my arms. I look to my right briefly, looking at the stuffed elephant. I couldn't understand how the hell it ended up outside, I couldn't come up with an explanation and that in itself was terrifying. The whole car ride my head felt like it was in a fog. It didn't make sense, I kept looking in the rearview half expecting to see that creature. Luckily the drive was uneventful as Zeus and I pulled into the local Veterinarian's office. Walking in he stayed to my side as I spoke to the secretary, asking if anyone reported a missing dog. She nodded to me and said there had been no report but we could scan him for a microchip. I agreed and sat next to Zeus in the waiting room. I was hopeful but also had the smallest hint of doubt weighing in on me. This dog was a lifesaver, a friend and a protector. I didn't want to lose him or even have the thought that was a possibility. At last the Vet called us into an exam room, my mind still a fog from earlier I decided I needed to stay strong and hope for the best outcome. What was the worst thing that could happen? The Vet got Zeus up on the exam table and pulled out the chip reader. Scanning it over the back of his neck, I could feel my heart thumping loudly in my chest.

The Vet finally said, "Well, he's a stray alright. I got nothing here, no chip, and to be honest he's not a dog I've ever seen come in. Frankly I would remember his stunning eyes. Quite the iris color he's got here."

My body immediately relaxed, I could breathe again. I must have been holding my breath the whole time he examined him, as I started to feel a bit light headed. Relief swept over my whole body and I smiled back at the Vet, thanking him for everything. He mentioned that he did look underweight and if I planned on keeping him I should pick up a higher calorie food. His ribs popping out from his sides and face emaciated. I assured him my plan was to keep him and he would get only the best. I decided to fill out his registration papers and might as well get him some basic shots, as I did live close to the woods. Better to be safe than sorry, I thought to myself. Zeus was a champ, didn't whine or whimper but instead wagged his tail as the Vet administered them. We finished up and headed to the pet store, a much needed distraction and a chance to spoil the new member of my family. It was the least I could do, after all he had proven himself to me.  I fully intended on making sure he was aware of how appreciated he was.