Final Stop

The dog heard them coming before I did. Her non-stop whining woke me from my nap. By the time I stood up, she started barking. That's when someone knocked.

Looking at the calendar on the wall, I saw the red circle marking their arrival. I hoped it had been postponed or even cancelled. It happened to others. I guess I'm just not that lucky.

"Give me a minute."

I hobbled to the bedroom. After wrestling on a pair of sweatpants, I attached my prosthetic leg.

Another knock sent the dog into a barking fit.

"I'm coming." I hollered.

The dog kept barking.

"Here! Now!"

She ran to my side. I scratched between her ears.

Sitting at my feet, she blocked my path. Looking up at me, she whined.

"Yeah, I know."

"We knew this was coming. There's nothing to be done about it."

She whined again.

"Come on, get out of the way."

She walked by my side as I made my way to the door.

I opened the door.

Standing on the porch were two men wearing blood-splattered scrubs.

Behind them was a wheelbarrow filled with amputated arms and legs.

I guess I was their final stop.

"The mayor sends his gratitude for your sacrifice during these trying times."

"Which limb would you like to offer for the survival of the town?"

"Take the other leg."