The Phone Call

Natasha's heart pounded. If she didn't do something, Woofles could--well, die. She shuddered at the thought. She looked down at Woofles. He wouldn't last long--the gash in his paw was to the bone. She HAD to get him to the hospital!! But how? She sat on the sidewalk and started to cry. "What's wrong, sweetheart?" a very familiar, comforting voice said. "Momma?" Natasha looked up and Momma wiped away her tears. She looked at Natasha with sympathy and pain in her eyes. "What's wrong, Natasha?" "Oh, Momma! Woofles got hurt, and I have to take him to the hospital, but Poppa wouldn't answer when I called him, and I just feel AWFUL!" Natasha rushed on. "We have to get him to the hospital, Momma! He could die, and I can't let that happen, cause he and Gloria are the only friends I have--" "Natasha!" Momma exclaimed. "Slow down. Take a breath. I couldn't understand a word you said." "Momma, there's no time. We HAVE to get the dog to the hospital!" Momma sighed, then shook her head. You certainly got your love of animals from Poppa, not from me, but--I suppose I'll take you to the hospital." "Yes! Woofles, did you hear that? You're going to get better!" Natasha exclaimed with an ear-to-ear grin.