The Boss

by Michele deBes

The wheelbarrow squeaked and bumped across the uneven ground. Rob Jenkins cursed and stopped for the third time. He lifted his hat to wipe the sweat from his brow. Even though the sun was barely above the horizon, the paddocks shimmered in a heat haze. The stand of gums beckoned. The inviting shadows rippled like an oasis across the desert of bleached grass.

He took up the handles and pushed on, disturbing the crickets that clacked and jumped in his wake.

The digging was hard going, even though the earth was powdery and dry. He had to stop several times to wait for his wheezing to subside. Finally the hole was deep enough and he turned to the wheelbarrow.

“Come on ya old mongrel.” He said and he gathered the body of a dog in his arms and place it in the hole with a groan.. Unfolding an old but freshly washed hanky, he placed it over the closed eyes and tucked it gently around the grey muzzle. Shovel by shovel, wheezing and puffing, he filled the hole.

When it was finally done he leant on the shovel.

“Well boss you were a good dog. Happy hunting.” He said. He looked further across the other grass covered mounds, each with its cross and Boss burnt into the wood.
“I don’t have a cross for ya. I don’t see the point no more. They were just to please the missus.” A dull pain flared in his chest and he pressed it with a shaking hand. “You’re the last one. I can’t do this no more.”

He let the shovel drop and went and sat down under a gum tree.

Sobs rattled his body as he leaned back , a hand still pressed into his chest. “I’m going to die right here right now.”

The leaves high above him glistened and shimmered through his tears, shifting in the cool breeze coming up from the river. The cicadas took up their buzzing and he dozed off. He dreamt of his grandpa, fishing rod in hand, sitting huge and solid beside him. He was playing his favourite game.

‘When I grow up?’

“I’m gunna have an ostrich farm, and a horse named Jack and a dog named Boss.”

Grandpa nodded not taking his eyes off the water.

“Thems good names.”

A blow fly buzzing noisily near his eye woke him with a start and he batted if away.
He remembered the left over Christmas pudding waiting back at the homestead and he hauled himself to his feet. A weariness heavier than any load he’d ever carried settled into his bones and it took much longer to push the wheelbarrow back across the paddock.

A week later he was in town to pick up his pension check. Even though he never got lost in the bush the new shopping mall with its fluoro lights and colourful displays had him all turned round.

“Hello Mr Jenkins.”

He peered into an eager smiling face topped with brown hair.

“It’s me Mathew Simmons. You know from next door.”

“Will I’ll be, I didn’t recognise you in your fancy get up.”

Mathew looked down at his white shirt and black pants then pointed to the tag on his chest.

“I’ve got a job. I work in the pet shop, come and have a look.”

“Well I’m kinda busy.” He said but Matthew was already in the door beckoning.
“Mr Roberts leaves me in charge too. We’ve got everything you could need. I’m going to study to be a vet next year. How’s old Boss going. Maybe he needs a new collar.”

The old man frowned. “He died last week. Just plain old age I think.” He said.

Matthews face fell and he nodded thoughtfully. “I’m sorry to hear that. He was a nice dog. Well this is your lucky day. We just got a new lot of puppies in . Come and have a look.”

“No, The last thing I need’s a puppy underfoot. I’m too old.” He said but Matthew was already over by the cage. His fresh young face bright with a smile.

The old man came a little closer but avoided looking at the soft squirming bodies.

“I can’t afford to buy one. Too expensive nowa days.” He said.

“Look, let me buy you one. I never did thank you properly for that time, you know, when I had to go to court. God knows no one else would be a character witness.”
Rob shifted on his feet.

“I knew your dad. He was a good man. I owed him one. And I knew you were a good kid too.” he said.

Matthew smiled shyly and turned to the puppies. “I’ve had my eyes on this one. Look, nice bright eyes, very active, beautiful shiny coat, check out that colour.”

“I can’t lad. It’s too much.” said Rob but his eyes had dropped to the puppy.

“No don’t worry, I get staff discount. Please it’s a Christmas present. ” Matthew said and put the puppy into the old man’s hands where it began to chew on the button of his flannel shirt.

Rob looked down at the soft brown eyes and scratched behind the ear with a gnarled finger.

“Hey boss, wanna come home with me.” he said.

“It’s a female. You can’t call it boss.” said Matthew.

“You’ve got a lot to learn about women.” said Rob with a grin and Matthew laughed.

“I’m having fun finding out.”

The old man resisted the urge to ruffle the Matthew’s hair. Instead he stuck out his hand.

“Thanks Mat I appreciated it.” He said.

They shook hands and smiled over their shoulders.

“I could come over and see how she’s doing. Like a case study for my vet course.” said Matthew.

Rob blinked and nodded. He tucked the puppy under his jacket and its little body warmed his aching heart.