Fun and Games
A Promptoberfest story
© 2024 by Walter Reimer

Thumbnail art by  tegerio

Prompt: pursuit


Angus ran, dodging around rocks that would take too much time to scramble over and leaping over puddles and streams that might slow him down. His legs and lungs burned from the effort, but the border collie was an athlete, and cross-country running wasn’t a problem.

Getting caught was.

He swung around a tree, altering his haphazard course through the forest. There was only the slightest hesitation as his kilt caught on the rough bark, but he kept moving. He’d decided on the garment over running shorts but was going commando under it.

The border collie grimaced when his sneaker came down on a tree root and his left ankle turned painfully. He kept on running as his ears flicked and he realized that the person chasing him was getting closer.

He suddenly pulled to a stop as a wall of tumbled rocks faced him. He’d taken a wrong turn and was now boxed in. Angus started climbing the rock face, but the boulders were covered in moss and slick from the previous night’s rainfall. His sneakers were great for running, but not so much for rock climbing.

Angus turned and slumped back against the rocks, breathing hard. “You,” he panted, “you win.”

His hunter said nothing, advancing on him until they were within a pace of each other.

A finger reached out and booped his nose.

“Tag,” his girlfriend Annie said. “You’re it.” Despite her own weariness, the ewe grinned. “Usual head start?” Angus shook his head and Annie asked, “You okay?”

“Ah, twisted my ankle,” the collie grumbled. “You win.”

“Goody,” and the sheep kissed his cheek. She sauntered away a few paces and flicked her tail at him.

Angus was suddenly very glad he’d chosen to wear a kilt today.