W’Otter Day!

Sleep is rudely torn asunder… rent by the neighbourhood ‘Rooster Alarm clock’!

As usual.

Rascally rooster!

I moan. Blearily, I peer at the electronic clock — squatting on my bed-head — beaming arctic numerals. My 5:00 am alarm erupts into a cacophony of sound. Blinking in bewilderment, I spy four ruby red roosters cavorting across the dark display, crowing chaotically! Frantically I fumble… desperate to silence this insane instrument of torment.

Ah. My aching head flops back into the cosy comfort of my fluffy pillow. Peace regains her rightful throne as the clock calmly proclaims her current time: 5:01 am. Sweet slumber sulkily refuses to slink back to me, despite my plaintive pleas.

Reggie the Roster has catapulted Today out of its starting blocks. Hunger pangs lure me to the fridge. My mind meanders back to one memorably delectable breakfast in my youth. An island of vanilla ice cream atop delicious homemade pavlova in an ocean of cream.

Pavlova for breakfast…

Chuckling fondly at the memory, I wrench open the fridge door. Unbelievable! Proudly perched on a shelf is home-made pavlova … as mouthwatering as any baked by my mum. Crazy or not, I hastily spoon some into a bowl. One tiny morsel drops to the floor at my feet, only to be snaffled up by Mia, my starving smoochy cat. Today, we’re both in agreement… breakfast was good scrummy!

You’re a good ‘dog’,

I say, patting her affectionately. She woofs grunts quietly in response.

Hudson is tap-dancing at the back door; certain a Walk is heading his way. Denied pavlova, my heart cannot refuse him a Walk.

Silly Boy! Sit!

His bouncing body hits the mat. Collar on, we're soon heading off — old ’Grey Beard’ Hud with his ‘Silver Fox’ Mum — plodding down the path, same as usual.

What a lovely day for a run!

Accidentally — it seems — two old ‘fossils’ effortlessly gallop down the path. We are sleek racehorses, clearing cobwebs from our minds after a stuffy night confined to our stables. We are young, we are free, we are rejuvenated!

The scent of a languorous stream nearby, wafts across the lush green paddock. As of one mind, we veer towards it. Otter-like, without a moment’s hesitation, Hudson plunges in. I skitter to a halt. Teetering on the brink of the riverbank, arms windmilling… I lean into the moment before toppling into the clear water. Huddy joins me, twin otters sleekly floating downstream. The water caresses my skin, as cool as silk. A trio of Labradors — chocolate, golden and black — bark enviously at us behind their jail-walls fences.

Hey Hudson… how crazy would it be to go over a waterfall?

Typically, my fertile imagination runs wild.

We pick up speed. Do I hear a cricket choir chirping? They’re sure outdoing themselves! I barrel-roll over to get a better view of exactly where we’re heading, ever so swiftly. A lion’s dull roar rapidly crescendoes. With dinner plate eyes, I grab on to Huddy’s collar… clinging like a leech. The river vanishes beneath us… plummeting away, along with our stomachs.

We’re flying!

I shriek!

Our Sugar Glider Possum’s pink noses lead the way — silvery ‘wings’ outstretched to slow our descent — as we glide gracefully towards the paddock alongside the falls. Astonishment and relief mingle with pleasure, washing over me. Surprise envelopes Hudson. Clearly, he harbours no hankering to fly! Unlike native Sugar Gliders, we land like tumbling dice. Momentarily nonplussed, Hudson gazes vacantly. Then, with a quick rump scratch and a hearty full-body shake, he flicks creek water over me. A short, gnarled stick is hastily snatched up.

Thanks! Maybe it would have been smarter if I’d stayed in bed today!

I mutter.

*

Silence is ripped by a raucous rooster crowing. My sweet sleep is shattered. As usual. Pipped at the post, my 5:00am alarm wails seconds later. Yawns accompany stretches as I stagger groggily to the fridge.

What a bizarre dream…

I think.

The fridge door swings open to reveal half a pavlova. I glance over at the dog. Wet tail languidly thumping, familiar knobbly stick alongside, Hudson grins at me contentedly.

Otter What a day!

*

Written for the Absurdist Awakening Challenge.

Another tale with happy Hudson.