2014 Prompt Responses - 24. Prompt 330

Ben looked like he wanted to throw up. We were parked in front of the local pet store. It figured that the day we chose to buy our new puppy had to be their annual “Circus of Savings” event.

“C’mon big guy, you’ll survive.”

He looked at me skeptically. “There are clowns here, Ollie.”

My big bear of a boyfriend hated clowns. His stomach let out a loud grumble and he looked decidedly green. “Oh god…” Ben opened the car door and ran into the store, clutching his stomach. He never listened to my reminders of the effect that dairy products have on his digestive system. We had stopped for ice cream on the way to the pet store. The big oaf had insisted despite my protestations; it was too hot to roll the car windows down when his lactose intolerance kicked in.

The store was filled with clowns, balloons and streamers, and children with their harried parents. The puppy area was being carefully monitored by staff. There was every breed imaginable; including the Corgis that Ben had his heart set on.

“Can I help you, sir?” The sales clerk asked.

“We’d like to see the Corgis,” a deep voice rumbled next to me as a pair of meaty hands squeezed my shoulders.

The sales clerk opened the door to a little room where we could play with the puppy to see if we wanted to take it home. Ben walked in before me and to my utter dismay, his underwear was showing and he was trailing toilet paper that was stuck to his boot.

“Pull your pants up and throw that TP away!”

Ben looked properly chagrined as he followed my instructions. We sat on a mat and waited for the clerk to bring a puppy in. Ben gave me a sideways hug and kissed my temple. “I’ve been waiting for this day since I was ten.”

Ben had recently confided in me about how much he wanted a pet. His parents never let him have pets because they were allergic. After he moved out, he wasn’t in a position to get one due to apartment restrictions and the long hours he worked as a truck driver. We moved in together about a month ago and my apartment complex allows pets. My job allowed me more freedom to care for an animal, so the timing was perfect. The look on Ben’s face was priceless when he opened his one year anniversary present from me – a gift certificate to Pet Emporium.

The clerk opened the door and set down a little tri-colored Corgi puppy. The little animal tottered over to Ben and jumped all over him, licking his hands and face. Ben laughed and played with the little puppy for an hour. He looked like a little kid. He drew me next to him and placed the puppy on my lap. The look in his eyes was pure love as he gave me a quick peck on the lips. “I love you so much, Ollie. This is the nicest present I’ve ever received.” He kissed me again and we both laughed as the puppy jumped up and licked both our faces.