Page 45 of Shenanigans

The cocker spaniel whimpered.

Tinkerbell barked.

I frowned.“You sure?”

Arf.

“Does Bobo have any bee stings?”

Dad ran his hands over Bobo. “He’s covered in welts.” He motioned to Larry. “Do you have anything that would work on a dog?”

“I have some children’s antihistamine,” Larry said and dug in his pack. He handed me a pink and white pill. “Here ya go.”

“Thanks.” I linked with Bobo psychically.“Open your mouth, little guy, this will make you feel all better.”

Bobo obediently opened his mouth.

I poked the pill down his throat.“Swallow. That’s a good boy.”I placed my hand on Bobo’s head and concentrated.“Where’s your momma?”I felt his pain and fear as the bad things stung him again and again.“Shhh. It’s okay. It’s okay. You’re safe now. Where’s your momma?”

I caught brief flashes of Bobo joyfully walking with an elderly woman. A swarm of bees suddenly attacking them. The woman’s horrified shrieks as she ran down the trail. Bobo frantic fear when the woman lost her balance, tumbled down a hill and slammed into a cactus.

Bobo whined.

“It wasn’t your fault. There was nothing you could do to stop the attack. We’re going to find your momma and help her.”

Bobo licked my hand.

“Harriet was attacked by a swarm of bees and fell down an incline. She’s lying by a large saguaro cactus covered in white flowers. Bobo tried to get to her, but the bees drove him off. That’s when the brave little guy went for help.”

“Does the cactus have a misshapen arm that resembles an erect penis?”

I grinned. “It does.”

“I know where she is. We’ll have to pack her out,” Dad handed Bobo to Jana. “Let’s go.”

The two medics grabbed their gear and followed my Dad. Jana and I fell in behind them.

“I had hoped we could use the all-terrain vehicles,” Jana said.

“Me too. There’s nothing like a strenuous hike when it’s 108 degrees in the shade.”

Cuddling Bobo against her chest, Jana retorted, “What shade?”

She had a point. There was none. Heat waves shimmered off the cactus spiked hills, adding to the feeling of being baked alive.

“Gak. My water is already hot,” Jana moaned. “Can you friggin’ believe it?”

“I can.” I wiped at the rivulets of sweat running down my face.

Tinkerbell barked.

“No. I’m not putting you down. The rocks will burn your feet.”

Arf.

“I know it’s hot. Lose the attitude or next time I’ll leave you home.”

Tinkerbell kissed my chin.

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