“How to Save a Life”
He ruined her singledom. Her first night in the city, and bam, she found the guy she would be with for half a decade. It was ridiculous, the same story that so many women her age could tell. First night out in Manhattan and wooed by some pseudo-Mr. Big banker. Unlike the others, she was acutely aware that it would end as tragically as it began. After all, any man that glitters like a Tiffany’s window display is not, as one would say, gold.
Luckily, she also knew that it was a matter of time before it happened. Before Mr. Banker sold her like post-bailout Fannie Mae stock and traded for a slightly different model, a waitress, a secretary, or maybe even a masseuse. The plain-Jane seamstress? That she hadn’t expected, but she was fine with it. After all, her ex had saved her. Financially, that is. Her car was paid, her student loans taken care of, and her previous salaries from her ad agency job accruing interest. She appreciated him for that and for those years, but it was time to really live. It was time to find real love.
Months later, she was on the prowl. Now the wise hunter that she was, she had done all of the necessary research. It appeared as though they would be infinitely compatible: they both liked eating and walking on the beach, they both had outgoing personalities, and they both liked dogs better than cats. Why hadn’t anyone else scooped him up?
In real life, he was far more gorgeous than his online pictures suggested. His hair was as black as onyx, with bright, soulful eyes of amber, marked by flecks of honey gold, breaking the darkness. Her breath caught, he was by far the most beautiful creature she’d ever seen.
“I’ll take him.”
“Are you sure you’re willing to deal with his medical issues? They can get pretty expensive.”
“That won’t be a problem.”
“Then, Ms., you’re saving this dog from death row.“
“No, I think this dog is saving me from my jaded existence. Where do I sign?”
-350 Words
Note: This post was partially inspired by Ember, one of the many dogs available for adoption at GSRNE (@GSRNE). While this is a total and complete work of fiction, the picture of me and Dakota is R-E-A-L. My happily ever after will always include a dog, as they are infinite sources of true love. I mean, don’t get me wrong, a knight would be great too! My money is always on the dog though. #JustSayin
Love it.
Beautiful story, beautifully written. Kelley, you rock!
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I always think it’s important for a short story to have an unexpected twist or kick at the end to make it memorable; I was totally taken in (I read the story in my email notification of the post, without the picture of the dog) and that made this a very satisfying read – well done Kelley!
Oh, you romantic you! You got me!
“The more I know men, the more I love my dog” … a Tshirt I had back in the 80s – loved this story
Love it. It reminds me of a time when a boyfriend broke up with me because he felt he was lower in my priorities than my dog. He was smart, that boyfriend.
Ha ha, I recognised those amber eyes flecked with gold, I have my very own gsd! Love the modern fairy tale, much more achievable than the usual princess fodder!
Aww, so sweet! Thanks for entering
I must admit, me and dogs have a turbulent relationship, as in, I’ve been bitten by not one, not two, but three. To say I have fears is an understatement. However, I’m always trying to love them and this just made my heart feel oh-so-very happy. And for the briefest of moments, I actually thought, hey I should really go get meself a puppy. Nice work. =D
Nicely done.
Awww. Cute story, nicely done.
Awww! What a beautiful story!
Cute. In Margaret Cho’s book, it was the same story with the same concept. But I think you’ve written it differently, so it’s not totally the same