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Flash Fiction Pet Stories Quarantine

Quarantine

Gibson’s Thoughts

By: Ildiko Kalman-Forbes

May 15, 2020

Hmm… I take it we are staying home again. At first, it was fun. All the attention. All the playtime. But it got boring pretty soon. Now the family is just sitting around, looking at that big screen. Or a small screen in their hand. Nobody wants to pay any attention to me. And to make matters even worst, I am forever yelled at. All I hear nowadays.
“No! Stop that!” Or “Get down! Bad Gibson!”
Why is it that every time I try to entertain myself, I am suddenly a bad boy? It is not easy being the youngest member of the family; although, I am not the smallest. Hehehe. I do tend to chase the other two around a bit. It is all in good fun, you know. I must tell you; I don’t think the little ones like it nearly as much as I enjoy the game. They are forever hissing at me and swiping at my face. Not a very pleasant experience, but I do relish the opportunity to corral them. Even if it makes my mommy and grandma mad, I must do something to keep myself occupied.
I have not been able to see my friends for a while. I miss daycare. I love running around with the others. The people there are all friendly, and they always pay a lot of attention to me. Home alone is not as much fun, and there is just so much I can play with my toys. I can’t help it that I get bored quickly.
I like to eat. I eat everything in sight. Mom is not happy about it, but I can’t help it. I just have to put everything in my mouth. You know? I need to taste it. Check out how durable it is, or what is the texture feels in my chops. Mom’s socks or sweatshirts, her blankets, and the sofa. It does not matter what it is. I must try it out. I feel this compulsion to put my face close to it and chomp down on it. Sometimes it gives me a tummy ache, but oh well. No pain, no gain.
We sometimes go on walks. I like to walk, but not when it is too hot outside. I get tired and thirsty very fast. I wish we would go to walks when the air and the road are not so scorching in the street, but for some reason, Mom only likes to go on long walks when it is very bright and sweltering outdoors. And then we just walk. No running around, not playing with a ball. Just boring walking. Lately, I try to play a game. I do not believe Mom likes it when I try to play tug-a-war with her. When I start that pastime, she always turns around, and we come home. I don’t understand why. It seems like such a good sport.
I think Mom is desperate for me to do something with myself. I went to daycare twice last week. Well, the first time was not so much fun. I got a haircut. I like the new look, but I did not really want to stand calmly for so long. It is exhausting and mind-numbing. But the family loves the fashionable appearance. I get a lot more attention now that all the matts are off me. I have to admit I like the attention, and I want to be able to see more, so I guess it worth it even if it means I was not able to play with my friends as much. I made up for it the next time. I hope I can go back tomorrow.
I love my family dearly, but the humans need to go back to work before they drive me completely crazy. And then, maybe I can go back to daycare every day.