The Drive

"Come on, Natasha, we don't have all day to get him there," Momma said. "OK, then, can you help me lift him up into the car?" Natasha asked. "I can do that," Momma replied. They ever so carefully lifted him into the car. Woofles tried to wag his tail but couldn't, so he just looked at them pitifully. Natasha jumped in the front passenger seat and Momma drove them to the vet. When they arrived, Woofles whimpered. "It's okay, boy, it's all right," Natasha comforted him. "Hello, this dog needs a checkup," Momma calmly told the desk clerk. "What's your name?" he drawled. "Anna," Momma replied. "What's the dog's name?" he questioned. "Woofles," Natasha cut in. Her mother cast her a questioning glance. "Woofles," Natasha repeated. "All right, I'll call the doc," the desk clerk again drawled. "Thank you," Momma said, then turned to Natasha. "Do you have enough money to pay for this?" Momma asked her. Natasha shook her head and said,"No, ma'am." "You expected ME to pay for this?" Momma demanded. Natasha shook her head again. "I just didn't think about it," she said. "Then who is going to pay?" Momma asked her. "You?" Natasha asked. "NO, Natasha! I will not pay a $50 vet's bill to help a stinky, stupid, annoying dog that isn't even yours!" Natasha looked up at her mother with tears in her eyes. "Why not, Momma? Just because you don't like dogs? If Poppa were here, he'd pay without a fight." She whirled around and ran outside, full of anger and hatred toward her mother.