Tick Tock

Short Story about a girl and her dog...

Tick.

I’m going to murder whoever invented the analog clock.

Tock.

Okay, what did the Doc say? Clear your mind, keep it empty. Don’t think... crap. I’m thinking about not thinking. Roll over? Still not comfortable. Prescription? Empty. Counting sheep? Doesn’t work. What the hell was that noise? Probably just Tobie. Can’t sleep. Can’t sleep. Can’t sleep... still can’t sleep...  Pepsi? I’m an addict. Stop thinking about Pepsi.... still better than Coke... damnit. Close your eyes. Open them. The sun’s up. Crap. Twelfth night. Still no sleep.

Tick.

Get out of bed. Open the blinds. The lighting doesn’t change. It’s as blaring as always, sandpaper to the eyes. Look outside. Arctic white as far as I can see. Blizzard, windswept past me. Over the mountains, through the ice, nothing more than flurries and hailstone in this forsaken land.

Tock.

My mind wanders. I’m all alone. But, I got Tobie. Tobie...? Where’s Tobie? Kitchen? Not there. Empty dog dish. Cobwebs in the fridge. Acid burning my insides, wrenching my stomach. Barren land. No food. All alone. Where is Tobie? Outside. Inside. Upstairs. Downstairs. Gone. Runaway? Run away where? Miles of snow and a black lab. A single smudge on the white canvas.  

Tick.

Linger in the kitchen. Dish in hands, dog treats underarm, and knife on the counter. Blade stained crimson. A smell so putrid it stings your eyes. Tears fall. Dish clatters as it shatters. Heart jackhammers. Dog lay still. Blood runs downhill. Stomach grumbles.

Tock.

Concrete eyelids? Can’t sleep. Mind reels and shadows creep. Twelve days?  Lights go out. Depth of darkness they reach out. I wander? My feet move on their own accord. My fingers feel with numb nerves. I pick up the knife. Oh yeah... I ate my dog that other night.

Tick. Tock.

Author's Note

Not sure if the last line is really needed. I had some people say it was others but others say it wasn't. Feel free to comment. And, as always try to ignore any errors but if you see one go a head and leave it in a comment for me. Thanks!