Patience

The guard sits on sentry. He feigns unattentiveness to his tedious duties. But he knows, and I know, an attempt of theft now would be a foolish endeavour.

I take another lap around the perimeter. I stop at a piece of art work to admire. It’s a blue, elongated shaft, with pairs of baubles on either end.

I admit, it is a fine distraction. It’s well crafted. I am entranced by it. I nearly forget the mission at hand.

I return, and the guard has left his post!

It’s now or never. Slow. Go slow… Steady… POUNCE!

I’ve got hold of it, but the guard returns! I try my best to stuff it away, but it’s too late. I was spotted.

The guard leaps forward and grabs me. I nearly choke, and the guard pulls with vice-like power.

The guard pulls me by my collar and pries my jaw open.

“No! Drop it! Bad dog!”

It’s the “bad dog” that does it for me. I drop the tasty chicken thigh. I sulk and I cry.

My eyes grow large and brown, my head bows low, and my tail stops wagging…

I see it in his eyes, the guard’s resolve weakens.