Neurons

• Isaac Ayers, Grade 7
• Short Story
• 2022

Neurons


Emerging from the darkness, eyes adjust to the morning light and jump up in happiness. I’m awake! I’m awake! Time to start the day. So exciting. So good. Running to the door, small human opens door, cool air hits my nose and… wait, wait…. not quite awake… no, not quite awake yet…. STRETCH! Yes, need to stop, need to stretch. Front legs straight out, back curves up like a gymnast’s. Very stretchy. Ahhhh, that’s better. Cricks and aches now gone, body feels fresh and ready for a new day. Ahh, pleasure.

Everything is perfect. Tail up, happy and confident. Everything is good. I love you, small human. I really do. I love all of you. Roll upside down. Good view. Upside down is a good place to be. I love everything!

Hungry… oh… very hungry. Food. Food. Food. Run! My bowl. My place. It’s mine. My bowl. Delicious food, can’t stop eating. Feels good. Thank you, human. Human talks to me. I talk to human. Done. Time to go. Busy, sunshine, fresh air, grass, oh wait…. stretch…. back legs this time. Long back legs…stretch… feels better. Time to explore.


Across the yard. Up, along, through, around. Jump, climb tree. Keep climbing. Very high. Stuck. Think. Blank. Down, fast, jump. Back here. Now over there. What was that?! Something moving. Very interested. Very excited. Very close. Lizard! Pounce! Got it, I’ve got it. So exciting. Such fun. Oh. Not there. I don’t have it. Gone. Still interesting.

Look. Stare. Turn. Hear. Another creature. Looking, listening, smelling… there it is. It’s a ‘me’ but from the other side. The other place with the other humans. Like mine, but different. The other ‘me’ is like me but different. Need to go closer. The other ‘me’ is watching. Tense. Nervous but so curious. Must go closer. Can’t stop. Have to pounce. Getting ready, bum wiggle, NOW! Tackle, roll, fun! OUCH! Not fun. Run run run! Other ‘me’ runs, jumps and is gone. Interesting.

Look! Green floaty thing getting carried by the unseen force. Must attack! Got it. Fun. Lizard? No, not lizard. Leaf. Still fun. Leaves are good. It’s a good day. Wet. Hmmm. Wet again. Where is the wetness coming from? Sitting, looking, wet. Time to go inside. Humans might have the answer. Oh no, look out, small human. Touch, poke, prod, pick up, drop, hold, help!! Hisssss! Scratch!! Not good. Don’t feel love for small human right now. Time to escape.

Go to special place. Soft place, comfy place. My place. Relax. Feel good. Bit sleepy, dozing off. NOISE! Leap to feet, back arched, fangs bared. Tense. On edge. Oh, all ok. Small human noise. Big human comforts me. Feel better.

Long, slow blink at human. Mutual understanding. Human strokes and pats me. Happiness flows endlessly. Slowly, drifting listlessly into an endless cloak of darkness. Stretching out, I know this place. This is home. Good.