This ficlet, like "The Imaginary Brother", was also for the NFA writing skills (Love's Other Forms) in February 2011.
Timothy McGee clipped the leash on Jethro's collar.
"C'mon boy! Out! Out! Out!"
The great German shepherd excitingly bounded to and fro, up and down, wagged his tail and threw in a short, explosive bark for good measure.
It didn't take much imagination to understand this 'doggie' language and Jethro's master recognized a 'yes' when he heard one.
The two left the apartment and ran down the stairs in high spirits.
They set out for a day at the beach. It was a relatively short drive and in a little less than an hour, they arrived at a Chesapeake Bay beach which was virtually empty at this early hour on a Sunday morning.
It was this time of the year that Tim felt the urge to reboost his energy by dispelling the lethargy the dark depressing winter months had plunged him into. Short days...long nights...
Springtime.
With every breath of the silty spring air he took, he felt all tension melt away. In and out. Cleansing, soothing breaths.
Down on the sandy beach, Tim undid Jethro's leash and the dog bounded away, stopping here and there to take a sniff at some interesting object or other.
Taking off shoes and socks, and rolling up his pants, Tim walked along the waterline, all the while keeping an eye on his dog.
He cherished the feel of his bare feet sinking in the wet sand. The rippling seawater lapped gently around his ankles. He wriggled his toes. Ah, it felt so good.
Tim smiled.
Jethro's energy knew no bounds and Tim occasionally tossed a stick for him to fetch. The dog would race back to his master at breakneck speed to come to a sliding stop at Tim's feet that would do fair justice to a quarter horse.
Tim grinned at Jethro's carefree antics.
Now and then, Tim would throw the piece of drift wood into the bay and Jethro would eagerly jump after it. Then the German shepherd would drop his prize in front of Tim, tail wagging, eyes shining and ears pointing, patiently waiting for a pat. Then, he would shake himself dry, dousing his master in the process.
Jethro ran off again to spin as he chased his tail, knowing how he could make his master laugh.
They both played all the stress of the past winter away: Tim whistling and laughing; Jethro barking and panting.
As the sun continued its ascent, Tim sat down to let his gaze drift over the bay, absentmindedly rubbing the sand between his toes.
Jethro trotted back from a closer inspection of some flotsam and jetsam and lay down beside Tim, head resting on his front paws.
Tim lay on his back and laced his fingers behind his head and stared at the white clouds in an azure sky. After a while, he closed his eyes and as he basked in the warm sun rays, letting the sea breeze caress his face, he listened to the surf, the overhead seagulls, the peace and quiet.
For now, he would enjoy doing...nothing but laze away.
On such a glorious day, Tim could push his worries to the background.
On a day like this, Tim could feel happy.
On this day, Tim could love life.