Puppy-Love

Ten year old Gerard can hardly sit still in his parents' car, wiggling almost as much as the special gift in the box sitting in his lap. They're on their way to his Grandma's house, for his little brother Mikey's seventh birthday party.

Gerard once again peeks into the box, using one of the holes punched into the side. A big, black, cold nose pokes back before turning away to show chocolate brown, floppy ears. Little Gee smiles one more time, laughing as a moist pink tongue licks his first two fingers.



"Gee!" Mikey yells as his parents car pulls up the driveway. He starts to race to the door, but a gentle hand on his shoulder holds him back.

His grandma Elena shakes her head at him. "No no, Mikey; remember what your mommy said? When they get back you have to go wait outside. Gerard will be out soon; now run along, honey." She reminds him sweetly, giving him a soft nudge towards the backdoor.

He sits down, feeling a bit annoyed; he waited almost over two hours for his mommy, daddy, and Gee to get back from picking up his present, and now he can't even see it! He sits glaring at a small yellow flower until pair of big, warm hands covers his eyes.

"Are you ready for your present Mikey?" His dads comforting voice asks him.

"Yeah!" He replies, throwing his fists in the air. After a small chuckle, the hands are removed. Across the yard from Mikey crouches Gerard, holding a medium box with holes and a lid.

"Okay Mikey; one…two…three!" At three Gerard opens the lid and out pops…a puppy! The little girl chocolate lab blinks slowly at the sudden light before bounding right over to Mikey, jumping on his chest and covering his face in puppy kisses.

Mikey squeals happily, throwing his arms around the pup and scratching her ears. "Thank you so much!" Mikey yells out to his family, holding his new friend close.

Mrs. Way smiles happily at her littlest son. "Thank your brother, honey," she says. "He thought of the idea, and picked her out.

Mikey stands up, puppy still in his arms and hurries to Gerard's side. Standing on his tippy-toes, he places a small kiss on Gerard's cheek. "Thank you so much, Gee-Gee; I love you!"

Gerard smiles tenderly at his little brother, as a nice warm feeling spreads throughout his body at his brothers words. He ruffles Mikey's hair as he says, "Love you too, Mikey." Then, nodding at the little lab in his arms, "What're you gonna name her?"

This stops everyone in their tracks. "Hmm…" Mikey shifts through the names he really like, all the girl names he knows. Finally, one comes to him. "How about Lily?" He suggests excitedly. The Way family looks at the chocolate lab; 'Lily' wags her tail at them and barks softly once. They all agree that Lily is the perfect name.



By eight thirty, Mikey and Lily have worn each other out; they've fallen asleep curled together on the living room floor at the Ways' house after playing almost non-stop for five hours. Gerard smiles as he curls up in his father lap, being lulled to sleep by the calming voices of his mother and father.

The last thing he sees is his mom putting a pillow under Mikey's head, and a blanket over both him and Lily; he smiles at the sight, happy that his gift has sparked a case of puppy-love.