Suneeta Rathore - Bark and Bite

Scottish Writers' Podcast

Runner-Up in Dumfries & Galloway Arts Association Flash Fiction Competition 2006. Read by Jo Leavesey.
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Bark and Bite
The spoilt child was having another tantrum.
Her screams could be heard throughout the basement of her apartment.
"I want a dog, I want a dog, I want a D", she threw toys. "O", she kicked shoes. "G".
The lace from her hand-sewn collar flew to the floor.
The nanny, tearful knew she'd be beaten. Her role was to ensure the childs continual contentment. Madam's hefty footfall barked the mistress's displeasure.
First light, the puppy arrived.
Procured from 'Purveyors of The Finest Pedigree Dog Emporium', Bayswater.
It was snowy and small, scented and decorated with a hundred fine silk ribbons.
The child screeched, gleefully pulling its tail.
The dog yelped.
"Puppy is talking to me", she grinned, pulling its tail even harder, whereupon the dog swiftly turned and nipped her.
The spoilt child sprang into action.
Indiscriminately she kicked, a frenzy of self-absorption.
The dog cowered, its breathing distorted, peppered with muted howls. Then silence.
Its neck was broken.
But the child did not stop.
Dragging the limp shell and panting with exertion, she continued until the room was perfumed with fur and ribbon and fear.
Nanny would be beaten, she dare not move.
"It bit me", the child smiled.
© Suneeta Rathore 2006