Dog Park Optimum (fiction)
Illusion is bliss.
The puppy and the butterfly danced each other in circles - leaping, fluttering, snapping jaws.
“Oh, is it too cute for you?” Kidd said to her partner, who stared at the whole scene expressionless.
A dry smile cracked his lips. “No, it’s sad. She’s never going to catch it - not really.”
They watched a bit longer. Just as the puppy reached the point of exasperation the butterfly dipped too close, and she snagged it midair. The wings disappeared into her mouth. She looked around for it, perplexed, then accepted the win and padded back over to Kidd, who scooped her up and showered her with love.
“Don’t look,” Kidd said, as they drove away from the park. “Please. Don’t make yourself sad.”
But Daniel's gaze was already affixed to the rearview mirror, where he saw the butterfly blink back into existence, beginning its choreography anew.