Enga mellom fjella

Story #3 "Barbara and Johnny... and me."

Day 3: “They’re coming to get you, Barbara.” —Johnny, Night of the Living Dead

Barbara and Johnny... and me.

No, Barbara. No one is coming to get us. We're always left behind.

Like holey socks and underwear, useless except as rags to sop up the blood and tears. I say my prayers every time Johnny goes out. Sigh with relief if he doesn't come back with a kill.

He's out prowling tonight.

Beware.

...

Yes, Barbara. I fixed your favorite fish dish: anchovy pizza with creamy white sauce on the thinnest crust I could make. You oughta learn how to bake, Barbara.

...

Johnny, what a pleasure to see you! No, there isn't any pizza left. Barbara... Yeah, I know. She's a bit of a glutton. But she's eating for five these days. What? You didn't know?

...

Barbara! Noooooo. Not in my bed!

...

What's that you say? Yes, I can find parents for your puppies. Just don't leave them for me to care. And... don't expect Johnny to be much help. Yes. He did drop off a mouse this morning. He's out there prowling again. I told him a rabbit would be better but he likes rabbits. As friends. Here's some cut up chicken and tuna. No, you can't have my porkchop.

...

Look, Johnny. Aren't they cute?

...

Hey, you two. I just got a call. I need to go out this morning. Old Hoot has a hard case to solve. He says he needs me to interpret. Yeah, yeah, I may just be a lowly parrot (his words, not mine. I think I'm magnificent) but I'm multi-lingual. One informant is a horse.

...

No, Johnny, you're not a suspect. But Barbara... Just between you and me she ought to be careful. I think someone's out to get her.

© Kåre Enga (22.oktober.2024)

~279 words