by SilhouetteStation » Wed Nov 14, 2018 6:11 pm
username;; SilhouetteStation
name;; Cyrus
gender;; Female
prompt;;
The supermarket was crowded. Children were babbling excitedly about what Santa would bring them, and who already had the bigger gift under the tree. Christmas songs were playing on the radio, and some people were singing snatches of lyrics under their breath. Some of the shelves were decorated with tinsel, just as staff were decorated with Santa hats. Only some of them looked happy about it.
This time of year, most people were planning to either host or attend a Christmas party. Maybe with friends, maybe with family, maybe both. People's trolleys were either filled with food supplies, or a polite bottle of wine to give to their host.
Cyrus's shopping cart didn't look like that, but she wasn't bothered. She hummed quietly to herself, idly tapping her fingers on the handle as she moved around the grocery store. The list in her pocket was small, and she already had most of what she needed. Mince pies. Some sparkling grape juice. Dog treats. A few other food items. Extra blankets. Two hot water bottles. Another wheatbag, because one of hers had split. And lastly, of course, ingredients for hot chocolate.
The checkout operator raised their eyebrows ever so slightly as they scanned her items. "Any plans for the holidays?" they asked in a bright voice, but Cyrus could hear the hesitation. She smiled. "Yes, actually. I'm spending them with a special someone." The operator looked almost relieved. They didn't notice there was something else behind that smile.
The holidays were often a fun time for people. Seeing family, getting together for a big dinner, playing in the snow, ice skating; all the fun Christmas brought with it.
But for Cyrus, preparing for the cold weather was something entirely different.
He was asleep when she got home. She could hear his soft snoring from the living room, where he was curled up on his bed under a pile of blankets. Quietly as she could, she brought her groceries inside and began to store them away. She could see him from the kitchen, and glanced over every so often to make sure he wasn't disturbed. But at the sound of the treat packet, his snoring stuttered. The sleepy Bassett Hound lifted his head, and his tail wagged weakly.
"Hey, Rufus," she said gently, going over and crouching down to stroke his head and silky ears. He made a little whine in response, seeming pleased with the attention. "It started snowing today," she told him. "That means we get to start our sleepover. That'll be fun, won't it? You like it when I sleep out here." His tail thumped harder.
What most people didn't know was that Cyrus's preparation wasn't for her; it was for him.
At a young age, he was diagnosed with arthritis. He couldn't play like he could as a pup, but bless him, he tried nonetheless. Some of her friends said they wouldn't be able to handle all of the vet appointments, and massages, and any other costs. Cyrus didn't care; she couldn't imagine life without this dog.
As the years went by, his condition worsened. His joints became more creaky. Sometimes he cried out when he moved. He couldn't chase a ball anymore, but liked to keep them in his bed. Sometimes he could hardly stand to go to the bathroom. And winter became a dreaded season for both of them.
She gave him another pat, before standing up and going into the guest bedroom. Rufus watched with dark, curious eyes as she dragged a mattress out into the living room. The couch was pushed back to make room for it. She'd tried sleeping there before, but he'd tried to jump up to be closer, so a mattress it was. Then the sheets, blankets, a couple of pillows.
"There," she said, standing back to look at her temporary bed. "That looks pretty good, huh?"
He wagged his tail politely.
His bed had already been made up. Dog bed, thermal mat, blanket, Rufus, more blankets.
The sky began to darken as she made dinner. She sat next to him to eat, both watching the TV, and she slipped him little pieces now and then. But as night bloomed, the temperature was dropping.
She got changed into her winter pajamas, complete with sweater and thick socks. Her hair was up in a messy bun as she stood in the kitchen, waiting for both the microwave and jug to boil. Two wheatbags were heated, one for behind his back, and one he liked to rest his head on. Two hot water bottles filled, one for under his legs, and one for her. She set them up around him, and he let out a contented sigh as the heat soothed his aching bones.
She tucked hers in her bed before making herself a hot chocolate, topped with a handful of marshmallows. The mug warmed her hands once she was back under the blankets, hottie pressed against her stomach, and she leaned back against the couch. Rufus was asleep again, his bed now pulled much closer to hers.
The curtains were closed, but she knew it was dark now. Last time she'd checked, gentle snow flurries were still dancing around. She settled herself more into the mattress.
This was it. This was her routine now, every winter, for as long as Rufus needed her close. Without thinking, she reached out a hand and placed it on his side. His tail twitched in his sleep, and she smiled.
Maybe she didn't spend winter like everyone else did. Maybe she couldn't enjoy the snow as much, or be out for long, or attend as many parties. Maybe her whole preparation for the cold season revolved around him, but who cared? She certainly didn't. She loved him.
He was worth it.
(965/1000)
Last edited by
SilhouetteStation on Sat Dec 01, 2018 10:27 am, edited 3 times in total.
