Stolen Moments

He walks by her house every single day, sometimes twice if his neighbour needs him to walk her dog. He could take a different route but Carrie's house is situated exactly halfway between his house and the hipster dog park. Bongo gives him the perfect excuse to casually stroll and linger in front of her bay window while the pup noses around the hedge by the sidewalk where Larry surreptitiously drops some kibble. The snacks give him an extra two minutes, maybe more, where he can position himself in such a way that if Carrie is in the living room or the upstairs bedroom, even down the hall in the kitchen with the drapes open, he can take her in. Revel in her wonder. She's incredible. His heart dances in his chest, speeding up so fast that he's sure he's having an attack. A few deep breaths, mindful counting to 10, and he's back in control. Until she tilts her head and her bangs brush across her forehead, obscuring her face from his view. He panics, jockeying for a clearer view while Bongo starts to whine and dig frantically at his feet. Larry tugs on his leash, jerking the pup's head back so quickly that he yelps. Larry's mortified and empties his pockets of treats, trying to assuage the instant shame engulfing him. Bongo digs and digs, rooting like a ferret, frantically trying to unearth some hidden treasure. Suddenly he's in a defensive stance, barking furiously at an invisible aggressor. Larry is flop sweating, his hands dripping, sliding off the leash. He looks up to see Carrie standing outside on the front porch, hand on hip, leaning against the doorframe. They lock eyes. Larry stops breathing. His mouth flops open and closed. He looks like a fish flung from the ocean, dry drowning on land, gasping for air. Carrie's brow furrows, her lips purse lightly and she shakes her head, an afterthought. She turns on her heel and goes back inside. Seconds later the front drapes draw to a close. Larry collapses to the ground, head spinning, barely conscious. Such incredible beauty. Breathtaking. Bongo lies down at his feet and paws his leg, searching for more treats. Larry scratches behind his ear and waits for his equilibrium to return.