Every guy reaches a point in life when he contemplates settling down and having a loving family. But not Henry. He was dead – set on staying single forever, firmly believing it was the superior way of life for him. However, a day spent with his nine – year – old niece would make him confront the real motives behind his choices.
The morning sunlight seeped through unfamiliar curtains, and I roused to the feeling of something warm and wet on my face.
It was a dog – not mine. A small, fluffy critter with wide, eager eyes that seemed to convey, “You belong to me now.”
It kept licking my cheek insistently, its tail wagging with unwavering determination. Did it want food? Or maybe a walk? Who could tell?
As I rubbed my eyes, the events of the previous night gradually came back to me. I turned my head and saw her – a girl I’d met at the club.
She was fast asleep, her hair splayed across the pillow.
This wasn’t my place. If I was here, it meant I’d achieved what I’d come for.
And now it was time to do what I always did: gather my stuff and slip out quietly.
I carefully slid out of bed and scanned the room. There were my pants, crumpled on the floor. My shirt hung haphazardly off a chair.
One sock was beside my shoe, but the other… where on earth was it? My search led me to the dog’s mat.
There it was, claimed by the little furball now wagging its tail proudly.
I crouched down and whispered, “Hey, little guy, that’s mine.” I reached for the sock, but the dog snatched it with its teeth, growling playfully.
Just as we started our tug – of – war, a groggy voice shattered the silence. “Henry? Are you up already?”
I froze. She was awake. Turning around, I saw her smiling at me with sleepy eyes.
“Uh, yeah,” I stammered, “I’ve got work. Running late for a meeting.” She frowned.
“But it’s Saturday…”
“I work weekends sometimes. Important stuff, you know.”
Her smile faded, replaced by a curious tilt of her head.