a good day for a walk alex chen

A Good Day For A Walk Trevor woke to the crisp smell of water droplets reflecting the rising dawn. A light breeze rattled the porch. The darkness fled in turn, hiding behind the mountains. It was a good day for a walk. He yawned, stretching, before rising to his feet. It was early, but not too early; late, but not too late. Indeed, it was the perfect time for a walk. He shook with excitement. Max would be thrilled. Max loved walks. Some of Trevor’s fondest memories with his best friend were long walks on wet sands, in tepid forests, and in the concrete jungle. There were always more sights to see, things to smell, and places to be. Those adventures were rarer now. Max was walking slower. He smelled funny at times, and Trevor often had to double back to urge him forward. Not having a tail must have taken its toll. Regardless, Max was always ready to go out. Nature called. Trevor trudged over to the kitchen. It was empty. Plates with a hint of the previous night’s dinner lay on the countertop. Remnants of sweet emulsified tomato paste wafted through the room. On the ground, the water bowl and kibble were untouched from the last time he left it. Strange. Max was missing. The door to Max’s room was slightly ajar. Trevor nudged it open. A rich, complex scent flooded his senses, stamping out the typical, artificial floral aroma. It was rare, yet familiar. Max had produced it many times in the house before. This time, it had not been aerated. Feces. There was no denying the volatile odour that permeated the room. Beneath it, a sickly smell bloomed. Max was curled up in bed. Thick stained sheets surrounded the large frame. Trevor leapt up and barked. He licked his best friend. No response. The cool skin offered no answers. The edges of Max’s mouth did not move. A hearty cheer did not resound from within Max’s chest. There were no hands pushing him back. Trevor barked again. Once, twice, thrice. Louder and louder. He pawed at Max in rough swipes. Max did not get angry. Max did not react. Max did not move. Max did not. Trevor howled. x

WORDS by ALEX CHEN