Mr. Nameless

 

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Mr. Nameless

I was a German Shepherd, a dog known for its intelligence, protectiveness and unwavering loyalty. I may not have looked as such, with my scruffy appearance, graying fur, tattered paws and hunched back. Still, I didn't let that define me. I was a German Shepherd, and I was as loyal to my family as one could be.

I didn't remember much about my puppy years, but I think I was alone. Memories of those times will sometimes cling to my mind, memories of a cold and dark place, and a bitter smell that stung my little sensitive nose. I was utterly afraid back then. Maybe my mother had abandoned me, I'm not sure.

But my first clear memory is a fond one, for it was when my human family took me in. They gave me food and water, toys and treats, warmth and love from that day on. I have never understood humans, like why they would care for a young confused pup such as myself. However, I believe a full understanding of each other is not always necessary. Love is enough, and I could never show the gratitude they truly deserve, but I could always try.

That's why, when I grew up, I became their guard dog. Now, you may think I protected them from bad people, such as burglars and killers. Most guard dogs are raised for that. By my purpose was different, as I protected my family from something bigger, worse than any scummy human.

You see, we lived in a nice cozy house, located on a hilltop. It was above all the other houses in our village on our small island. Apparently, this island used to be bigger many years ago. It had gotten smaller with time because of the storms. Oh yes, many storms swept over our island. Some were smaller, and some were bigger. Some were so big that the humans even gave them names. As if they were living beings with evil intentions, hunting islands like we were prey, lurking in the dark, waiting to swallow us whole with its powerful waves and howling wind.

However, these frightening enemies never made me waver, for my purpose was to protect my family. I could never stop them, unfortunately, as they were much stronger and bigger than me. Instead, I'd alert my family of incoming storms, so they could hide inside the house. I would stand guard outside on the porch, watching the horizon and tasting the air. Storms have an unmistakable heavy scent around them, and I could always sense them coming. I'd bark until my family heard. Then, when the night came and brought the storm with it, we would all huddle in the basement.

Those nights were never easy. The smell of fear and worry emitted from my humans constantly lingered in the damp, thick air. I understood them, as I was scared too, just like when I was a puppy. But I always did my best to cheer them up. I'd lick my master's hand, and I'd let my mistress scratch me between my ears. Then, I'd trot up to their pup, who was usually the most scared. Sometimes she cried, which broke my heart. I sat down in front of her, and she'd hug me tight. It wouldn't take long until she fell asleep with her small arms still wrapped around my neck. I didn't mind, though. I didn't mind calming anyone in my family, because I knew they'd do the same for me. That's what they did when they took me in all those years ago.

And so, this was my purpose. At least, that's what I thought, since I made the assumption that the storms would stay the same.

But to my surprise, the storms grew stronger and stronger. The thundering waters swallowed our beloved island piece by piece, breaking down houses and trees and even people. Strangely, my master and mistress didn't share my shock. They just seemed alarmed, and oftentimes ashamed too, like mangled mutts caught stealing food. I don't understand. Why were they ashamed? They had never done anything wrong. I may not understand them every time, but this was completely, utterly confusing.

Things went downhill from there, except for the water, that kept going uphill. Eventually, our house was the only human structure left standing, on top of our hill. The stench of seagrass and salt from every direction left me lost yet again. A scared puppy, stranded, with nowhere to turn. The only striking difference is, I had my family. My kind, loving, confusing humans. They were all I had left, and all I needed.

Then, one bitter morning, they were gone.

Master, mistress, and even their little pup. The family's small boat was also gone.

I could put two and two together, and realized they must've taken the boat and left. They left me because that boat is small, and could only ever fit my humans.

Did they...? No, never!

Although...?

No, of course not. They would come back for me. They most likely just left for higher land. That's understandable, as the storms have gotten this severe. Honestly, how dared I even question their loyalty? When a dog questions his family's loyalty to him, he also puts his own loyalty at risk.

Yes, they would be back. My master was a clever man. He must've planned to save us all. Yes, he must've planned to take my mistress and their pup to safety, then he would come back for me, once there was more space in the boat. Yes, yes, yes. Of course, of course.

Of course. I would see them all again soon.

Then a day passed by. No boats as far as my old eyes could see. I drank some water that was left behind. I didn't eat though, as I could go without food for a day. Maybe my master would be hungry when he came back, after all. Yes, I must be considerate.

The next day came. Still no boat. I drank some water. The storm was raging on outside the clattering window, chilling every room as well as my bones. I ignored my churning stomach today as well. Instead, I checked outside again. Still no boat.

The next day, I ate some leftover scraps. It tasted like nothing. Still no boat. I should save the water I have left. Still no boat. I'd watch the sea to pass the time, but there is nothing but a despicable dark gray sky mixing with the despicable dark gray sea. Still no boat.

I feel heavy.

Still no boat.

...

I am sitting on the porch. I think I am starved and thirsty, but I don't care enough to ponder over it. I am cold and lonely. I am hopeless. This is hopeless.

The storm is my only company now. It is so kind to me, it has pushed its water all the way to the porch, just to be closer to me. I can't remember what the humans named this one, as I didn't think it would be important to me. I regret that now. It feels impolite, not being able to address my last encounter properly. I have to stick with Storm Nameless.

I wonder, was the boat lost at sea? Or was it drowned by Mr. Nameless?

Now, you see, you might believe there was no boat in the first place. You probably think my family left me here to die, only saving themselves from the clutches of Mr. Nameless. You can believe that, I don't mind. Still, I swore to remain loyal to them, and I will not use my last breath to break that promise.

After all, when a dog loses his loyalty, he truly has nothing left.

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Ange

It's a touching story that speaks volumes about humanity and a well-written attempt at writing

~

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