"I thought we agreed not to see one another."

"We're not. I'm here to pick up a few things," said Ron as he grabbed a wooden Makonde sculpture he had purchased on his trip to Africa 30 years ago before he met Crystal.

"Why didn't you take whatever it is that's so important the last time you were here?"

"What difference does it make now? Besides, I'm not going to argue with you."

Ron had agreed to leave Crystal the house as part of the settlement. He had grown tired of trying to keep up with the upkeep of a big old house. The windows needed repair, appliances had to be replaced, and the pile of bills grew higher and higher.

Their relationship had deteriorated over the years as well. Whenever the couple had even a semblance of a conversation, it would inevitably turn into an argument, usually about nothing or anything. Any affection they once had for one another had withered to the point where they hardly touched each other, unless by accident or necessity.

Ron decided the best solution would be a clean break, leave Crystal and the house, and start a new life on his own. It was the one thing on which they could agree. She would buy the house for $1 and sign all the necessary paperwork, making her sole owner of the residence. She would not receive any other compensation from him but would draw on her own savings instead. Also, there were no children involved to complicate the agreement.

Free to come and go as he pleased, Ron had bought a tiny ranch house for himself within walking distance from the beach. All he needed now was a dog to keep himself company. As luck would have it, the local animal shelter had a two-month-old Australian Shepherd mix who was eagerly awaiting adoption. Before he took the dog to his new home, they went for a brief stroll at the shore.

When they had arrived at the little beach house, Ron promptly arranged a place in the kitchen where the puppy could eat. Then he gathered up a few old blankets and set up a cozy bed for his new friend. "I'd better wash these first," he said to himself. He threw the blankets in the washer and announced, "I have to go to the store to buy you some food and a few other things." He turned the washing machine on and grabbed his car keys. "You be a good boy!"

Ron spent a great deal of time in the grocery store, looking at the different brands of dog food, trying to decide what to buy. He also picked out a retractable leash, a collar, and some doggie toys.

When he arrived home, he found himself ankle-deep in soapy water. Apparently, the washing machine had gone haywire. He looked around for the puppy. He found him soaking wet in the hallway, gnawing on the wooden sculpture as if it were a bone.

Story and cover illustration Copyright © 2020 by Michael DeFrancesco