Point of View: Personal Monologue from My Own Point of View

By Michelle Ward

It was late at night and the air was cool and misty, as I stepped out of the back door with my dog. I'm not too fond of going outside at night but tonight I had to. I was practically dragged across the driveway by my dog to the damp grass at the edge of our property. I kept watch toward the garage that sat in total darkness for coyotes. Just as my dog went to take care of business I heard a sharp back split through the air. I spun on my heel and froze with fear.

A large black dog loomed before us. My mouth grew dry as my dog lunged forward, I my arm lurched as it was ripped forward. I grabbed the leash with both hands, scared to death that my dog would attack. I could feel the cool night air drying the sweat that beaded on my forehead and created goose bumps on my arms.

All I could think was the fact that I had to get out of there. I hauled as hard as I could on the leash and dragged my dog back a few steps. With its head hung low the beast kept no more than a three foot distance between it and my dog. A scream tore from my throat as my foot slipped on the dewy grass. My dog barked none stop. I'm dead, I know it, I thought as I yanked at the leashed and a scream escaped my lips once more. I could smell my dog's breath and hear his panting as I struggled to reach the pavement. I knew the thin trees would not serve as shelter. I dug my feet into a jutting tree root and tugged with all my might, I felt my muscles shake as my dog skidded backwards three feet. I screamed for help and pulled again feeling my feet hit pavement.

Why is it so silent? Any domestic dog would've barked; this scared me more. My muscles strained as I stumbled back towards the house. I shook so hard as I pulled my dog away from the animal. I felt my calves hit the stairs and I tripped my way backwards up the steps. I hit the door with my back and screamed. I fumbled wildly for the door and swung it open. It creaked and squeaked angrily on its hinges as I heaved my dog in the door after me.

Once inside I slammed the door shut and threw the lock. I collapsed on the inner steps breathing hard and trembling all over. An eerie silence came over the house as I just sat there with my dog licking my face. It was over.