Bloodhound

The doorbell sounds throughout the house. I run to the door to see who it is. Jim is not far
behind me, as he opens the door some light (LIGHT1) shines through and I quickly slide my
head into the opening crack. Ah, its just Jesse, no need to be alarmed. My body relaxes (BL1)
and I trot back as she steps in. Jim hugs her and I wait for my recognition. She leans down to
scratch my back and then Jim takes her into the kitchen. Where is my ball? (OBS1) Sniff, sniff,
sniff, it must be back up on the fourth floor. I run up the stairs. I find it in my bed, grab it, and
take it down into the kitchen to show Jesse. This one is new; Jim bought it for me today after
work. It is red; my old one is yellow. Jesse will be impressed. I take it in wagging my tail (BL2)
and place it in front her. She pats my head, not noticing my ball; something is different. I turn my
head sideways in question (BL3). The scent of warm tomato sauce rising from the pot on the
stove pulls my attention away from Jesse. Jim stirs it slowly and he catches my begging stare.
(Eyes) Its not for you he says.
Jim is tall with brown hair and has a comfortable lap (BODY1). Jim and I have been
together for about six years. Coming home with Jim was a dream come true (DREAM). When he
came to pick me up from the shelter he was kind of sulky (BL4) and had a different kind of look
in his eyes than he does now. When he first brought me home, he stayed inside a lot. He took me
out for walks here and there, but asides from that and work, he stayed in. He never ate much and
he never seemed to like work. His friends called to no avail as he rarely answered and the
voicemails built up. Sometimes people would drop by the house, but they wouldnt usually stay
long (BODY2). Jim did enjoy our time together though. Our games of fetch with my favorite ball
(OBS2), my stomach rubs, and our walks were mutually enjoyed. Jim saved my life and I saved
his (CONTROL1).

I walk out of the kitchen clutching my ball (OBS3) with my teeth and get into my bed. I
drift off, even though it is still light out (LIGHT2). I wake up to the sound of yelling. Something
is wrong. I rise quickly and run back into the kitchen. Jim looks shocked. Jesse with pleading
eyes says please calm down, it will be fine. You cant do this to me right now; I need you.
responds Jim. Jim, what is happening? I ask. I approach him slowly, he seems unstable. I
gently nudge him with my nose, (TOUCH) but he doesnt even look down. My depression has
been so much better, please dont, he says. I have no one else to talk to; I need you. Please.
(CONTROL2) Jesse just looks down (BL5). Jim slumps back down (BL6) in his chair. The light
(LIGHT3) is dimming as evening is quickly approaching. Jesse broke the silence with I just
dont know how good this relationship is for me. You know I love you, but it is hard for me to be
your therapist when I dont even have my shit together. Its hard for me to get better when you
arent. (RANT) Jesse you cant leave us I say. They look at each other and then Jesse scoots
her chair back to leave. I follow her to the door with my tail and head low (BL7-8). She reaches
down to pet me one last time and I begged her not to go with sadness in my eyes, but then she
was gone. I hear her car start and pull out of the driveway and her tires hit the dark street, I can
see her car lights (LIGHT4) against the dark outside world through the window. I need to get my
ball (OBS4) and go back to Jim.
I stop at my bed to grab the red tennis ball and head towards the light (LIGHT5) of the
kitchen. There, Jim is still at the table, staring straight forward (BL9). I place my two front paws
on the seat of his chair. No response. I whimper to grab his attention and motion my arm toward
him. Nothing. I lay my ball (OBS 5) next to my feet to not forget it. I whine once more for
acknowledgement. Stop he yells I cant deal with you right now! He waives his hand
towards me (BL10) to shoo me away. I get down. This is one of the first times Jim has taken his

anger out on me. I back off, collecting my ball (OBS6) and taking it to the other side of the room.
Jim quickly picks up the small vase on the table; the lamp light reflects off it (LIGHT6), and he
throws it. The glass hits the bottom of the wall, shatters and slides on the floor; I can feel the
glass hit even though I am nowhere near it. His body previously tense, relaxes some (BL11). He
realizes what he has done and leaves the room. My ball (OBS 7) and I follow at a distance. He
settles on the living room couch. I CANT DO THIS, I CANT DO, I CANT DO THIS, he
yells. He is now sitting with his fists against his face bent over some with elbows against his
knees (BL12-13). The room is dark except for what light (LIGHT7) the outside streetlamp is
providing. I jump on the couch, lay next Jim and lick him arm (KISS). He starts to gently pet me.
I feel how shaky his hand is on my back. He reaches for the remote control, presses the power
button, and the television turns on. The television light (LIGHT8) is uncomfortable to our diluted
pupils. For a while he stoically watches. He seems to have calmed down; his body is no longer
tense at all (BL14). He will probably be better in the morning. (ASTRAY) I drift off admiring the
sphere that is my ball (OBS8) on the floor. When I awake, not more than a few hours could have
passed; Jim is gone. The light (LIGHT9) of the television is still flashing. I jump down to find
him, grab my ball, (OBS 9) and head up the stairs. This house is so big he could be anywhere. I
whine JIIIIIM? My ears point up waiting for a response. (BL15) No response comes. Sniff,
sniff, JIIIIM? He is not on the second floor. Not on the third. I reach the fourth floor; I walk
past three doors on the right and I can see the light (Light10) under the fourth door. I nudge it
open. Jim? I drop my ball (OBS10) and it rolls under his hanging body. I could not save him
this time.