Front Porch Rambles

The door to Mom and Dad's room was open, he could hear them chatting about who knows what.  He walked in slow and steady, and made straight for the dark place under the desk.  His parents leaned facing each other on the bed, Dad's back was turned.  It didn't seem like Dad was going anywhere soon, so he laid down on the floor and listened.   He didn't understand the words they were using, but the sound of it made him feel safe.  He closed his eyes and began to snore. He was just dreaming of pancakes when he woke suddenly at the sound of the bed springs shifting.  A familiar sound, one that for some reason always made him want to go outside.   Mom turned out her light and rolled over, snuggling into the quilt.  Dad stood up from the bed and pulled his gym shorts on. That was his cue.  He rose on all fours and poked his head out from his hiding place.   While Dad walked back and forth through the house a bit picking up dishes and findi...

Smoke got in his eyes and he cursed himself, drawing the attention of his faithful pooch. He tossed aside the cigarette.  On cue, the faint jingle and clicking paws drew up close in the dark, and a wet nose nuzzled its way under his arm.   "Hey there Jasper, I'm not done yet.  I'm just an idiot, that's all." Smoking while hunched over his drawing was never a good idea.  He closed the sketchbook on his pen and set it aside, ruffling the golden brown scruff atop the mutt's sturdy shoulders.  Jasper was the best dog he'd ever met, hands down.  From the first moment he came home the pup had exhibited a cool demeanor that gave the impression that he was thinking. Indeed Jasper had proven a most intelligent animal.  They had made a strong connection early on, in the days of Kelly's business trips and before the kids.  Jeremy had always thought of Jasper as his first child.  Jasper clearly had a similar mindset.  It had only taken about a week ...