That Strange Cry For Help

“Did you see that garden?!” “Did I?! Did you see the chick in white?!” “Bro, the one in white; that’s all I say.” Best friends Johnny and Marcus happily walked into the warm, dim lit bar they often visited after work and on weekends. “The hell are you two talking about?” Jennifer, a bartender and Johnny’s younger sister, sat drinking whiskey in a booth with her husband Frank. “We followed a rabbit down a hole.” Johnny said, hanging his jacket on the back of his chair before taking a seat, Marcus joining Jennifer and Frank In the booth. “Word? Then what…” “No! Drink.” Jennifer interrupted Frank, pouring drinks for her brother & friend. “If you guys are done following rabbits, are we ready for the fireworks tonight?” “Don’t you worry sis, Dad just needs to bring the secret box of fireworks he’s been collecting since January; otherwise, we’re pretty much set.” “What else Is missing Johnny?” Jennifer asked as she poured everyone another drink, knowing her brother was hiding something. “Nothing I just, I kind of wanna go back through that rabbit hole.” “Right?!” Marcus agreed with Johnny. “So, this whole rabbit hole business really happened?” “Oh indeed, suffice it to say we had a really good time.” Marcus drank from his cup. “Okay, so you want to go to another realm instead of the New Year’s Eve party our parents have been planning since last New Year. Is that what you’re saying?” Jennifer closed her eyes, rubbing her frontal lobes. “Just for a second! Have you ever seen a hookah smoking caterpillar? Cause we have and he was absolutely delightful.”

“Help…Help!” Johnny looked around the bar, looking for the distressed voice. “What are you looking for?” Jennifer began looking around the bar as well. “You guys, and lady, didn’t hear someone scream for help?” Johnny inquired. “I heard it, but I thought it was just the whiskey.” “Yeah, I thought I’d probably had enough, because I definitely heard someone scream help.” Frank agreed with Marcus as he finished off his drink. “Okay, I’m cutting you guys off. Which one of you two drove?” “We carpooled, actually. Tryna save our environment her sis.” Johnny tossed a paper bag into the recycling bin. “Come on, we’ll drop you guys off at home. Just go see your new friends afterwards.” “And uhm, let me know when you guys go.” Frank whispered to Johnny and Marcus as Jennifer walked from the table, all of them leaving together.

Several hours passed and the New Year’s Eve party was underway. As Johnny and Marcus both played catch with the neighborhood teens, they both heard a familiar voice. “Help…Help!”

“Okay I’m not that drunk.” Johnny looked at Marcus, and away from the incoming ball spiraling towards his head. “Sorry Johnny!” “All good Crystal, nice throw!” Johnny tossed the ball back to the teens. “I heard it too, where do you think it’s coming from?” Marcus asked as he and Johnny walked away from the party. “Sounds like it’s coming from behind the hills, should we go?” Johnny rubbed his chin hairs in thought. “What’s going on guys?” Frank approached Johnny and Marcus with cups of hot chocolate. “Aww, thanks.” Johnny and Marcus both sipped their drinks, breathing deep sighs of enjoyment. “No problem buds, who’s out here screaming?” Frank asked as he sipped from his cup. “So, you heard it too?” “Yup, are we gonna check it out?” “See, I knew my sister married the right guy of course we are! Come on fellas.” “Where are you three going?” Jennifer stopped the guys as they prepared to walk towards the hills. “Mr. & Mrs. Jenkins needs the snow shoveled from around their house dear.” “Aww, okay you guys be safe and hurry back for the fireworks.” “Yes dear.” The three walked away, giggling.

“We’ve been walking for 15 minutes now, whoever needs help needs to act like it!” Johnny yelled through his cupped hands. “Help me! I’m drowning!” “Drowning? The pond!” Marcus, with Johnny and Frank tailing behind him, began running towards the pond within the forest. As they made their way through, the three instantly noticed the hole in the frozen pond. “Look, I see someone trying to get out. Be careful.” Frank started walking on the frozen ice, Johnny and Marcus right behind him. As they approached the hole in the frozen pond, they quickly kneeled down to see if anyone can be seen. “Help!” Woah! Was that a damn dog?!” Johnny was startled. “It wasn’t a human, quick give me your belts.” Frank gathered the belts and tied them together, lowering it into the hole. Just as Johnny and Marcus grabbed unto the belt to help Frank, they felt a strong pull. “They grabbed it! Pull, pull!” Frank and the guys began pulling the belt from the hole, stunned by what came out. “You guys are lifesavers, much obliged.” “My stars, are you a talking dog?” Johnny kneeled beside the creature, wrapping his coat around it. “A hound, actually. Whew I need to-- I’m gonna lie down here for a second. Lord these bones!” “What’s your name big guy, and what happened?” Frank asked. “My name is Bayson, and this jerk tried to take my brothers family from him, but I showed him!” Bayson shouted. “Okay so, how’d you get trapped under this frozen pond and where is your family?” Marcus inquired. “After freeing my family, I had to help a friend in trouble. I fell into a lake fleeing, going through a tunnel and ending up here I suppose. Everyone is safe though, that’s all that matters.” “You wouldn’t happen to know a clock-toting rabbit and a silly hat making fella, would you?” “Ahh yes, my friends indeed. How do you know them?” Bayson asked Johnny, standing in front of him as he continued to kneel. “I know how to get you back home good buddy, it has to be after the fireworks though. My sister is gonna kill us if we’re late.” “Sounds like a plan, will there be food?” Bayson’s tail began to wag. “Of course! Come on, I got a turkey leg with your name on it.” Johnny rubbed Bayson’s head, the four heading back to the party.

“And who do we have here?” Jennifer kneeled beside Bayson and began petting him. “This is Bayson. That strange cry for help, it was him. He was under the frozen pond.” Johnny also began to pet him. “Okay, don’t tell me where he came from. Are you guys ready for the fireworks?” “Now hold on a second, tell her Bayson.” “Woof!” Bayson stared at Johnny. “Yeah, we’ll be back there in a sec.” “Alrighty.” Jennifer walked away smiling. “The hell was that?” Johnny laughed. “I agreed with you, she just doesn’t understand my friend.” “Hmm, she never has. Let’s get you that turkey leg.” Johnny and Bayson walked to the backyard to eat and enjoy the fireworks.

The End.