The Perfect Walk

Luke wakes up to his dog, Prince Reginald III, sniffing at the root of his bed. Luke must have overslept. Why can't dogs just pee in the toilet like regular people? He figures it’s time to get up.

After using the bathroom—like a regular person—Luke goes into his living room to put on shoes. He checks the weather on his phone. 55 and sunny, borderline lovely. The second Prince sees Luke putting on his shoes, he gets very excited. He starts running round the living room.

"Fucking dog."

The game is afoot. Luke must now catch his dog to take him on a walk that is entirely the dog's idea. How fun. Luke lunges to catch Prince, but Prince, being about a foot tall, is too elusive. His movements are impossible to predict. Luke tries to corner Prince only to have Prince jet right through his legs. Prince should be an NFL running back. Maybe Luke should have called him Devon Achane.

Luke finally gives up; it's too early in the day for this shit. He admits defeat and goes to sit on the couch near his front door, at which point, Prince gets confused as to why Luke is not chasing him. He stops running around and sits by Luke. This finally gives Luke a chance to get a leash on Prince, and they head out the door.

Luke lives by the water, which is usually a good thing because the water calms him and brings him peace. The wind starts to become a real issue once summer turns to fall, but the wind is not a factor today, it is a borderline perfect fall day. Prince couldn't be happier to be outside.

Luke and Prince take a left onto their favorite pier. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and many others are out walking their dogs. This pier is especially popular amongst dog owners because it hosts one of the best dog parks in the area.

Out of nowhere, Prince lunges at a dog. It's another Maltese, just like Prince.

"Oh sorry!" says Luke. He is constantly apologizing for Prince's transgressions. "He can't help himself."
"It's okay! Twins!"
"I know right, I'm Luke by the way."
"Nina."
"Well Nina, isn't it just the loveliest day?"
"Yeah, it really is!"

"Live in the neighborhood?"
"Yeah, you?"
"Yup. That building right over there." He says as he points.
"Very cool."

"So, is your dog single? Prince here is looking for a girlfriend."

Nina laughs.

"Well, Diamond is single...."
"Ohhhh, well then.... oh, what's that Prince? Do you want Diamond's phone number? Well, let me ask. So?"

Nina laughs again.

"Cute."
"You hear that, Prince? She says we're cute!"
"I never said you were cute."
"You also didn't not say it."

"Cute."
"So what'll it be? Can Prince have Diamond's digits?"

"Yeah, you can have my number."

The two exchange phone numbers and walk their separate ways. Luke walks toward the dog park, and Nina walks towards home, both with smiles on their faces.

"Who's a good boy Prince? Yeassh! You're a good boy! Such a good boy! Such a good boy!"