The Strong Silent Type

Connie pried one eye open and then another, as the fog of sleep lifted from her body.

Her squished face had taken on the contours of the pillow, wrinkles and all. A tangle of jet-black hair stuck out like a roosters comb at the back of her head. Connie's once proud black hair of her heritage was now intertwined with Arctic highlights.

She lazily stretched her body, still nimble for her age, but the stiffness in her joints telling her she was on the downward slope of life.

Jake reached over to give Connie a good morning hug, which she loved. "Oh Connie, you have nasty morning breath! I know just the thing to fix it." Connie's eyes lit up.

"I'll go make you some breakfast!" Connie smiled at Jake in appreciation and followed him to the kitchen.

How Connie had won over Jake's heart she'd never know, but theirs was a companionable relationship of understanding and few words.

Connie waited patiently for the bacon to sizzle to a crisp perfection. Jake served the bacon up and as always gave her a little more than he took for himself. She smiled up at him, her affection toward his kind gesture was noticed and welcomed by Jake.

The morning dishes were piled with a noisy clattering in the kitchen sink, to be taken care of later.

Jake reached for his red and black plaid jacket and slipped into his hiking boots. With a warm belly full of breakfast, Jake and Connie headed out the door for their morning walk.

Connie hurried to keep up to Jake, his long strides outpacing her's.

The forest trail was alive with new sights and sounds. If they were lucky, they might catch sight of a small creature scurrying by.

The morning bacon was sloshing around her belly as she trotted to keep up to Jake.

Connie was glad to see the welcome signs of home as she gave one last burst of energy on the morning walk, filling her lungs with shockingly cold air.

Without a word spoken between the two, Connie and Jake silently communicated. They would be traveling to the park to meet up with friends in a few minutes.

Jake had filled a to-go mug full of milky tea to sip along the way. It wasn't a long drive, but he enjoyed the leisurely pace and enhanced the experience with a hot cup of tea.

As confirmation, Jake's rusty black pickup truck was idling in the driveway. The bleep- bleeping of the remote unlocked the four door truck as they approached. She waited for Jake to open her passenger door, assisting her up into the too tall truck, for her vertically challenged legs.

Connie was hoping Daisy and Dusty would be at the park this morning. She had so much to tell them.

Jake interrupted her thought, "Are you ready to go to the park?"

Connie smiled happily as Jake patted her furry head. She let out a bark of excitement as he shifted the truck into motion.

"Ok Connie. Off we go to the dog park."