The First Step

Short Story Day 75 of 365

Photo by minka2507 on Pixabay

For seven months, my Golden Retriever had rushed out the door when I opened it. I had a full two acres for Bella to run and roam. When I called her anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes later, she was refreshed and ready to come in, often panting from running around too much. She had done her business, chased small animals, and was ready to lounge around inside.

Today, though, with two inches of fresh snow on the ground, I was wondering how she’d react. We picked her up at the shelter as a puppy and she’s never seen snow.

“Bella,” I yelled. Within seconds she had her nose close to the door, wagging her tail, raring to go.

I opened the door and pushed open the screen door.

Bella took a few full steps into the white powder and gave out a slight yelp after her paws hit the cold snow. She backed up into the house, shook off the cold, and went to lay on her bed.

Eventually, she’ll have to go outside, but perhaps she just hasn’t finished her first cup.