Liquorice, Keaton and I did not hear the mini-bus returning Ma this afternoon, from her weekly outing to the local Senior Center, until it was leaving. I was enjoying coffee following a late lunch when Keaton raced out of the vestibule to the back door. Sensing that if Keaton wanted out with such urgency, then Keaton “needed” to go out with “urgency”! Opening the door I heard voices and only then realized that Keaton was disturbed not by a call of nature but Ma’s departing mini-bus. Liquorice then casually sauntered out the back door as well while Ma entered via the front door. Liquorice and Keaton scented with great fascination everywhere the driver and his assistant had walked.
Ma returned home with a box of fancy donuts from the senior center. We were each enjoying one when she brought my attention to Liquorice standing at the back door wanting in! My little darling’s facial expression was of desire, of longing, of anticipation and of expectation, for even through the closed back door Liquorice could smell/sense the presence of my delicious donut! I opened the door, which had Liquorice rush in looking up at me with breathless eyes filled with yearning and excitement! Then Liquorice realized that Ma too was blessed with an equally delectable donut! So there Liquorice stood between us whipping her anxious head back and forth from Ma’s donut to my one with such incredible speed I thought that she would do herself an injury!
Naturally I satisfied Liquorice’s need, as did mum – only then did Liquorice relax to more rational modes of separating us from our edibles. Keaton? Well the young master waited with the patient serenity that comes knowing his Dad will “fetch” his fair share of any treats on offer.
Arthur Witten
Liquorice – Donut scent, and in stereo too!
Keaton – I prefer my treats delivered, Dad gives me ear-massages as well.