Something Like Stories - Volume One (Something Like..., #7)

by Jay Bell

Zero (note: All I was given was a name and a point of contact. The following is a transcript of the telephone conversation.) Allison: Hi, Nathaniel. Thanks for taking another of my calls. What can you tell me about this Zero person? Nathaniel: Seriously? Allison: Yes. Nathaniel: He’s a dog. Allison: Oh. Nathaniel: Why are you profiling animals? I thought you were a therapist, not a vet. Allison: I’m just running down the list I was given. So anyway, when was he born? How tall is he? Nathaniel: He’s a dog. Allison: We’ve established that. Do you always have to be such a grump? Nathaniel: How would you react if someone called you and started asking about your pets? Allison: I don’t have any pets. My son Davis goes feral at times, so I suppose that’s close. And if someone called to ask about him and I knew they weren’t some creep, I’d be happy to talk because I love him. Nathaniel: I love Zero. A lot. You wouldn’t believe how much. Allison: More than you love Kelly? Nathaniel: Heh. Ummm… I don’t have to answer that, do I? Allison: Give me a little more on Zero, and Kelly will never hear about this. Nathaniel: He’s a Siberian Husky, and at one point in my life, he had the unenviable duty of keeping me happy. These days, it’s all about him, because he’s done his time. You really don’t have pets? I can’t imagine being without them. Allison: I have more than enough living souls to take care of, believe me. You’ve been very helpful. Thanks. Nathaniel: Wait! Can you put in Zero’s p...