My Pet

"I still don't get why I can't have a dog!" Dane said, tears pinpricking at the corners of his eyes. He was eleven already, almost twelve. Why didn't anyone believe he was ready?

Dane's mother sighed and shook her head. "I'm not having this discussion again, Dane. It's almost nine; go get ready for bed."

"But tomorrow's Saturday!"

"Dane..."

He knew that tone all too well. He ran upstairs and fought the urge to slam the door. That would only cause more trouble. Flopping down onto his bad, Dane pulled his favorite stuffed husky onto his lap. "It's too bad you're not a real dog, Jaden," he said, curling up with the toy. "Then I could show mom just how responsible I am."

~*~*~*~*~*~

"Dane, get up! Your father needs help with the yard!"

Dane jerked awake to the sound of his mother calling, and quickly sat up. The night before he'd devised a plan that would be sure to prove to his mom just how dependable he was. "Coming," he called, and climbed out of bed - onto something warm and pliable.

"Ow! Hey, watch it!"

"Huh?" Dane looked down at the floor and let out a yell, falling back onto his bed in shock.

The boy sitting on the floor looked up at him with thinly veiled irritation. "You're not all that great-looking yourself, pal. Don't you recognize me?"

Dane just stared at the boy, eyes wide, mouth open.

The boy sighed and closed his eyes. Moments later two soft husky ears burst forth from his head. "It's me, Jaden!" the boy proclaimed, throwing his hands out wide.

.........

> Experimentation