Whispered Prayers

by Alex Grayson

Worry starts to set in when I realize that we’re stuck here for God knows how long. From the rumors in town and his behavior so far, I don’t take Alexander for being a people person. I’m sure having a strange woman and her two kids thrust upon him isn’t something he’s looking forward to. I look down at the kids. I hate to impose on him, but it’s not like we have a choice in the matter. Staying in our car until the roads are clear enough for someone to help isn’t a choice. We’d freeze out there. My thoughts are interrupted when I feel something bump my leg. Looking down, I’m startled to see a pair of green eyes looking up at me. It’s a medium-sized dog with longish black hair, sitting on its haunches with its tongue hanging out the side of its mouth. I almost laugh at the comical look. “Hey,” I say calmly. When Daniel makes a move to get up to see what I’m talking to, I tell him, “You stay there.” He whines, but stays put. I need to make sure this dog is safe before I allow my son to come near it. I squat and hold out my hand and the dog immediately comes over and licks it. Its tail is wagging as it butts my hand with its head. “Hmm… are you a boy or a girl?” It doesn’t take long to figure out it’s a girl, as she flops to her back, then rolls over, showing off her swollen teats. “You’ve just had puppies,” I murmur, rubbing along the side of her belly. I laugh when she wiggles her back around, almost splitting herself in half sideways. I look over when Daniel walks up beside...