Man's Best Friend

• Jyah Eagleson, Grade 9
• Short Story
• 2014

Tom wasn't afraid of dying.
It wouldn't be all bad he believed at least he would see his parents again.
While Tom was thinking about death and his parents he heard a knock on the hospital door and it opened to allow a middle aged blonde woman through the door.
"How are you feeling this morning Tom?" "and the lady asked oh by the way my name sally I will be your nurse for from now on" "Or you mean until I die" replied Tom in a surprisingly calm voice. Sally did not no what to say so she just simply busied herself by folding up the blankets on Toms child sized hospital bed. Too young to die too young Sally kept thinking to herself." Hey Tom you're trip to the park is it one pm would you like to go"? Yes Sally I would love to go thank you replied Tom. Every Saturday afternoon the hospital of London allowed the sickest children to go the park with the nurse and Tom's illness was a very rare cancer t was a type of blood cancer that 1 in 10 get and there was no cure available.
Tom breathed in heavily the fresh air which he so longed all week his one afternoon of freedom no blood test no doctors jabbing at his arm all morning just him and the beautiful surroundings of nature. Of course Sally was there though but she knew what Tom would've been feeling so she just let him be.
While Tom was relaxing on the park bench he couldn't help but notice the most beautiful creature running on all four legs golden fur gleaming in the sunlight running towards him Tom had been in that hospital so long he forgot how much he loved dogs. The dog came up to Tom and rolled on to his back discreetly giving Tom the that he wanted his belly rubbed so Tom obliged. About an hour later an elderly man with a thick Australian accent in an old black and white checkered shirt came towards Tom, the dog, and sally sitting a bit further away keeping an eye on the young teen and the dog."there you are Stella I have been looking everywhere for you mate where have you been" "Is this your dog sir"? "Why yes it is mate and George is the name and this is Stella just got her last I did" "Well he is a beautiful animal and my name is Tom" said Tom. "Hey sorry to interrupt said Sally but we have probably got to get you back" said Sally "Yes Sally" said Tom in a sorrow voice. The next morning Tom was walking around in the hospital because the doctor said it might be a good idea to get some exercise when he couldn't help but notice a very familiar man in a hospital bed and when he had a closer look he realised that it was in fact George. "OH Tom my dear boy come in come in sit down" Tom sat down next to George. George told Tom that he had a severe allergic reaction to Stella the night before and that he could no longer keep him and that it would probably be best if Stella belonged to Tom and that he had talked to Sally and she said that she would keep her and bring her to the park with them on Saturdays.
One Year Later
Tom now lives with sally in a small apartment disease free and with Stella. George often visits Tom but Stella has to be outside Sally is now Tom's Legal guardian.