We Need to Do Something

by Max Booth III

The outcome will always be the same, no matter what anybody tries to do. Everybody dies. The end.

I made sure to lock the door before settling back under the covers, giving our Dalmatian plenty of kisses and reassuring him he was, in fact, a Good Boy. I hope he believed me.

Nothing gets between him and dogs. He would walk through fire if it meant getting to rub a dog’s belly afterward.

Thick layers of slobber web between my fingers and it’s so gross but I can’t pull away, because what if I never get another chance to pet a dog? The thought is too depressing to entertain. I can’t allow this dog to get away. Not right now when we need it the most.

Mom takes over for me. “She meant that I’m the only one who can actually take care of them without passing out drunk in the front yard.” “That was one time.” “It shouldn’t have been any times.”

“What the fuck is a subreddit?” Dad asks, but I ignore him.