Courtesy Björn Rudberg
Chasing Harry
“Harry, where are you?” I called for the umpteenth time, certain I’d seen my beagle run into the hat booth.
“If you don’t come out right now, I’m leaving without you!” Right. Like I could ever leave behind the most irritating, beloved thing in my life.
He’d been gone over an hour. “Harry!” My voice quivered.
The woman in the booth looked up and pointed with her knitting needles. “Why, there he is!”
There he was indeed, peeking through several stacks of hats. Relieved, I grabbed him.
“Nothing harder to find . . .” The woman grinned. “. . . than a beagle in a hatstack.”
THE END
Author Note: Though this story is fiction, I know well the feeling of chasing, even losing a beagle. Long ago, I wrote a haiku about losing my beagle.
Beagle on a scent
Nose pressed to the ground until
The way home is lost.
Friday Fictioneers is a compilation of writers from around the world who gather online weekly, guided by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. The challenge? To write a story in 100 words or less based on a new photo prompt.
Click HERE to read more stories in an online flash fiction anthology by the Friday Fictioneers.
Thank you to Björn Rudberg for this week’s very challenging photo prompt!
Dear Jan,
Harry has captured my heart. I had a Beagle as a child. Her name was Ami, an odd personality, but memorable. Perhaps I’ll tell her story one day. “…the most irritating, beloved thing in my life.” Masterful! And the last line about knocked me off my chair. Great play on words, my friend.
Holiday shalom to you and Steve,
Rochelle
Something else we have in common, Rochelle! I’ve had two beagles and “most irritating and beloved” describes them both. Being a Beagle lover, I’m sure you understand. 🙂
Shalom and happy holidays to you, Jan and your family!
Jan
Perhaps one day I’ll write a story about Ami. She was a unique member of our family. 😉
Haha..beagle in a hatstack – nicely done 🙂
I’m glad you “got” it, Iain. I had some concerns that readers may not. 🙂
Happy holidays to you!
Jan
That was a fun read, Jan. That last line… 🙂
Thank you, Dale! I had fun writing it.
Happy holidays to you!
Jan
Love the last line, and the story to go with! 🙂
Thanks, Jelli. Lots of fond memories of my Beagle as I wrote the story.
Best wishes for a happy holiday and New Year!
Jan
awwww. good story!
Thank you, Ruthie. We love our fur babies, don’t we? <3
Love you,
Jan
A very lovely story, Jan .
I could feel all the emotions that one feels when one loses one’s child.
Great writing.
Thank you, Moon. Our pets are certainly like our children–especially when our children are all grown!
Happy holidays!
Jan
Ha ha ha ha, what fun. Beagle in a haystack indeed!
Thank you, anuragbakhshi! I love to “hear” your laughter. 🙂
Much happiness to you over the holiday season!
Jan
Ha ha ha. Thank you so much, happy holidays to you too 🙂
I snickered at the last line. I loved the haiku also.
I kept beagles for hunting dogs for several years. They had beautiful voices that echoes off the mountainsides as they chased a rabbit or deer. The last one’s name was Elvis. I’ll never forget him. Your story brought back some great memories.
Nothing compares to the howl of a Beagle.
Rochelle is right–there’s nothing like the “bray” of a Beagle–the most irritating, beloved sound. I’m glad my story and haiku brought back some good memories, Russell!
Ha… love it… you got me laughing there in the end. so cute
I’m glad, Bjorn. I have to admit, I was concerned some people might not “get” it. 🙂 Thanks so much for the colorful, creativity-inspiring photo prompt. I’ve enjoyed reading the variety of takes on it. Happy New Year!
Wonderful. Loved the ending.
Thank you, Linda! I enjoyed your very clever story, too! 🙂
Love that last line – made me smile! 🙂