A Day Etched in Memory

Ron was kind enough to give me a lift to the train station after the food distribution was over. Just at the traffic lights before we u-turned onto the other side of the road, a cute little puppy was skipping across the road, oblivious to the multitude of cars around it.

It was pure horror at first sight. I asked to be let off immediately and hopped out of the car after a quick thanks and goodbye. My guts told me that something terrible would happen to the pup if no one tries to capture it. I went after it without much hesitation.

As I followed it, the little fella was notably scared. It kept running away from me and at intervals, turned his head around, seemingly to ensure his 'predator' has backed off. I got increasingly worried by the minute. It had by then, reached the carpark, which was packed with cars going in and out of the area.

Then, in the next minute, the pup made a dash for the other side of the road without me knowing! I continued after it. The little fella was running towards the main road. I was horrified. By this time, passer-bys had finally started to pay attention to our "run and chase" episode.

Another lady helped. We both ran after the little fella. But he was out on the road now. The cars were all moving.

Then, everything froze. The world stood still in front of my eyes. Just as another car moved forward on the cue of the green light, I saw the lifeless little body lying limb on the road. My heart sunk. And for a moment, I tried to calm myself - "Don't worry, he'll be alright. Maybe he's just in a state of shock and lying there for a while."

But, it didn't move. It just laid there. I screamed and dashed across the road with the lady without a care in the world for anyone or any cars. I stood there in front of the little fella. Blood was oozing out from its mouth and its eyes were wide open. I cried. Right there, in the middle of the road. It was the most horrendous day ever in my life.

The lady and I looked at each other and lifted the small body to the side of the road. Its hair was soft to the touch, similar to Dusty's after a shower. Blood was dripping from its mouth as we slowly carried it to the grass field opposite. Cars stood still for us to pass. Our hands were stained with blood and my feet and slippers splattered in red spots too. I looked at the body and couldn't believe that, less than 10 minutes ago, the little fella was still alive and running.

We laid it down and said a quick prayer. Then called the police so somebody could help us clear the body. All the while, I was still dazed by what just happened before my eyes.

The incident affected me badly. I was angry with myself for not catching it sooner, before it had the chance to run onto the roads. I was angry that no one lent me a helping hand to stop the little fella as it roamed around on its own. But mostly, I was saddened by the life lost.

This little puppy will forever be etched in my mind. And whatever happened today could never be erased from my memory. The pup isn't nameless nor is it nobody's dog. I shall call it "Camie", and for that brief 15 minutes, our paths crossed and Camie was my responsibility.

"Rest in peace, Camie."