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The truck hit a big bump, and Karma grunted and winced.
“Sorry.” Tee looked at her in the mirror but didn’t slow down. “I’ve got to meet a lady about a very bad man and can’t be late.”
Karma braced herself to stay balanced in the swift truck. She wanted to stick her nose out of the back window, and drink the smells that gushed past. But each time she stood on the back seat, the truck lurched. At least the strange ache inside her tummy had subsided. She still wanted...something, she wasn’t sure what. Karma scratched at the blanket covering the back seat, scrunching it up into a more acceptable bed. She grabbed the lamb-toy, pulled it close to her tummy, and sighed with satisfaction.
“Almost there. This should happen quick, Karma. I already texted Combs, so he’ll have the cavalry ready on my signal. We’ll be home in no time.” Her words came fast, high pitched with excitement.
Karma’s ears pricked at the “home” word, but Tee’s excitement and her underlying fear-smell made Karma’s hackles bristle. She wagged at the thought of the shabby kennel building she shared with Lia. That was home. Karma missed the home-place, and often wondered why they stayed away.
Staying with Lia and Tee in two tiny rooms made Karma’s fur itch and paws yearn for wide open spaces where a good-dog could sniff and roam, run and roll in grass and mud to her heart’s content. Her muscles ached to race, throat longed to bark and howl without hush-demands, and claws wanted to dig up some dirt. Home meant adventures, search and sniff games. And comfort. Safety. Home.
The tiny rooms they shared smelled stale, and lately, she’d been restricted even more. Lia kept her on leash for the few steps outside to take-a-break. Tracking games in two rooms offered no challenge. Karma’s boredom made her want to chew and tear and break things, even though she shouldn’t. So she couldn’t wait to see what happened on this ride. She loved rides! But she wished the lurching-bumps would stop.
Maybe they’d drive home? Wouldn’t that be fine! Karma wondered if Lia waited for them at the home-place. She couldn’t help wriggling at the thought.
The truck slowed and pulled off the road. Tee stopped the truck behind a very large sign surrounded by trees that hid them from the road. Karma leaped up with happy anticipation. It wasn’t home, but that was okay, especially if she got to run outside in the nearby field with Tee. It had been many, many days, more days than a good-dog had paws, since she’d been allowed to run with Tee. Karma panted happily when her girl turned around to stroke Karma’s face and scratch under her chin. Karma leaned into the caress, and half closed her eyes.
