Heart of a Devil

LAUREN—AGE 10

“ B ailey. Bailey, where are you? Come on, boy, dinner time.”

I wander around outside my house, shaking Bailey’s can of treats. He loves his treats, and he usually comes galloping over as soon as he hears the rattling sound they make against the metal. Papá says he’s greedy, and Mamá says he’s just a Labrador who can’t help being what he is. I don’t mind if he’s greedy—he’s my beautiful golden boy, and he’s been my best friend since my birthday last year. I’ve always wanted a dog, but until then, I had to make do with my stuffies. I begged to get a real one, promised I’d look after him, and I do. I feed him and walk him and brush his soft fur until it’s smooth. My sister helps, but she doesn’t like him as much because he slobbers. That’s another thing he can’t help, and secretly I’m glad he prefers me anyway.

I jump over the hula hoop I was playing with earlier and dodge the sprinkler that’s watering the lawns. Bailey normally likes the sprinkler, but today he’s nowhere in sight. I’m starting to worry because he usually stays close. We have a big yard, but I checked all his favorite spots and still can’t find him. It makes my tummy feel weird.