🐾 Episode 15: The Agony of Choice

The moon hung heavy and pale over the Los Angeles night, casting a silver glow on the little bungalow garden.
I, Sir Woofington, noble scribe, stood outside trembling, pacing in circles, my paws stirring up the dewy grass.

Tears pricked my eyes — yes, reader, a noble dog can weep — and I let out a long, mournful howl that echoed across the rooftops. My breath hitched as I tilted my head back toward the stars, silently pleading for the heavens to send a sign.

🐾 The Framed Picture

On a nearby bench sat the framed photograph the producer had given me — the Champagne-colored poodle, her sparkling eyes and coy smile frozen in perfect, maddening beauty.
I picked it up, turning it in my paws, my heart racing, my mind spinning.

I wept. I worried. I paced.
What was I to do?
Stay with loyal Percival… or chase the intoxicating promise of love and fame?

My legs buckled, and I tumbled headfirst into a flowerbed, collapsing in a miserable puddle of fur, tears, and indecision.
Sleep crept over me like a shadow.

🌿 First Dream: Loyalty’s Path

In my dream, I rejected the producer and stood firmly with Percival.
We fought side by side, clawing our way into new meetings, scraping together new opportunities.
I saw Percival grow — stronger, prouder, thriving in the glow of my loyalty.
Yet behind the glamour, behind the victories, a hollow pang lingered… the image of the poodle dancing just out of reach, her laughter ringing in my ears, her absence tugging at my heart.

🐾 Waking in a Panic

I awoke with a start, heart pounding.
Stumbling through the garden, I peered into the koi pond, gazing at the graceful fish gliding through the water.
How simple, I thought desperately. How pure. No choices, no betrayals. Just… swim.

With a wobble, I slipped — and splash! — fell headfirst into the koi pond.
Flailing, scrambling, I tried to haul myself out, slipping on the slick stones until at last I tumbled onto the grass, dripping wet.
I loathe being wet. No towels. No groomer.
I rolled furiously on the grass, paws flailing, to no avail.

Then — a gentle wind stirred, sweeping through the garden, drying my coat little by little.
I looked up, blinking at the moon.
“Thank you,” I whispered softly to the heavens, sinking back into the grass.

🌹 Second Dream: The Poodle’s Path

In the next dream, I chose the poodle.
Together, we became the toast of Hollywood — shimmering on red carpets, adored by fans, envied by rivals.
But behind the dazzle, I glimpsed Percival standing offstage, eyes clouded, shoulders drooped.
I saw myself in a mirror, adorned in glittering accessories, barely recognizing the dog staring back.
Who am I? I wondered, heart aching.

🐾 Panic and Escape

I awoke again — this time shaking, breathless, eyes wild.
The choice was tearing me apart.
I had to get away.

With a sudden, desperate burst, I squeezed my large frame through the hedgerow, squeezing, scraping, pushing — until I burst free on the other side.
And then I ran.
Into the night, into the unknown, paws pounding on pavement, heart pounding in my chest.
Anywhere, anywhere but here.

🎬 Meanwhile, at the Bungalow

Moments later, Percival arrived at the bungalow, tail wagging expectantly.
“Sir W?” he called. “Where are you, old boy?”

He sniffed the air, nose twitching, circling the garden.
That’s when his eyes fell on the bench… and the framed picture of the Champagne poodle.

Percival froze.
His eyes narrowed.
His little chest heaved.

“He’s gone,” Percival whispered.
His voice darkened, trembling with anger.
“That producer… that sneaky, evil, underhanded thief. I’ll get him back for this. I’ll get my star back, too.”
His paws clenched into tiny fists.
“He belongs to me. Me!”

🐾 Closing Reflection

Dear reader, destiny does not wait patiently.
It runs.
It schemes.
And tonight, as the moon glowed high above Los Angeles, two dogs set off on separate paths — one chasing, one fleeing — neither knowing where the next chapter would lead.