" Come on, Max, stop messing up with those guys, let 'em be.. ", Sam gently pulls Max, a quite old Golden Retriever, closer to him as Max is barking at some thugs on the street
Max had always been a very good and obedient boy, but recently, Max is easy to be triggered and get frustrated with such small things and Sam can feel something is off
To calm Max down, Sam reaches for his old guitar while keeping Max held firmly between his legs. After successfully getting the guitar, Sam is about to start playing a melody but it has been years since he last held a guitar due to some psychological and life problems.
But after all, playing a tune is still a gentle way to relieve all his stress and lighten up Max's mood. Sam tries to remember at least a song to perform and as when he looks at his buddy, Max, he starts singing:
" Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you , Happy birthday dear me and you..."
Sam sweetly regard Max in the eyes.
" Happy birthday to...us..."
Quite unexpectedly, those short and silly lyrics really succeed to make Max feel soothing a lil bit. Sam continues, " Well, it will be our birthday in 2 days so it isn't so stupid, is it ?..."
" Come on, some nightshift ghosts might appear soon, we'd better head off to bed now, lil man", Sam pats Max's head while standing up. Sam runs really fast to turn off the light and then jumps into the bed with all his might. Max goes after Sam and jumps into Sam right on Sam's belly and it hit a little too hard:
" AAAAH", Sam groans, " It was damn hurt, Maxxy"
And that's how a day of two lonely souls ends....
....
" DING DING DING DING..."
As the alarm goes off at 7o'clock, Sam has waken up already. Truthfully, Sam does admit that if he lived all alone, he would probably wake up at 10 A.M or even later but he is now living with his precious roommate, Sam cannot be so selfish because Max really need to breath fresh air in the morning in this New York city.
" Wakey wakey, it's time for school , dork", Sam tries to wake Max up while doing cleaning.
The room is not very large but cleaning the whole of it really wears Sam out. Sam and Max live in a small private house in the middle of bustling New York city. This house is a cape cod one, but strangely located in the center of such a city like New York. In fact, Sam doesn't really love living here because of the loud noise and dense traffic, Sam will probably move to a countryside if he has a chance... and money, of course...
When Sam finishes doing household chores , Max also wakes up. although Max is a dog, but he really acts like an old man, sleeps a lot and always yawns, what a silly dog !
Sam brushes his teeth then he brushes Max's teeth , Max seems to really enjoy this activity...
Then they decide to go out and have breakfast...
Sam doesn't have many clothes but he'd love to be chic when hanging outside maybe it will help him to be more likeable...
=====================
Today is July 17, a normal Autumn day in big city, it's only early autumn but the air has turned quite cold. Wonder why ?... But luckily i have just bought a really nice black fleece jacket, it's incredibly warm and stylish. I did buy some small dog coats for my buddie, Max but it seems like he enjoys getting naked all the times, he's a tough little boy.
The pulse of New York City beats as strong as ever, a constant thrum of crowded streets and gridlocked traffic. A human tide spills across the sidewalks. You see the suited masses, briefcases heavy in one hand, coffee cups clutched tightly in the other. Teenagers flow in a separate current on their way to school. And yet, amid all this frantic motion, you also find a few like us: just watching, with no place to be.
Max and I stop at a roadside sandwich shop, which is a relatively large trailer and meticulously decorated by the owner there, Uncle Joe. Turns out, this spot is more than just a sandwich shop. Uncle Joe offers all kinds of other food like noodle, hotdog, corndog, even tacos... the sheer variety on his menu had me drooling all the times.
" Heyyyyyyy, look who is this ? I was starting to miss ya donkeys. What brings you two here today ?", Uncle Joe speaks loudly as soon as he catches us coming while he is serving other diners.
" Good morning, Joe. Still running the show? We're just coming here for snack", i reply right after.
" Come on, take a seat. Imma bring you guys today special dishes: vegetable tacos...", Uncle Joe disappears into the kitchen.
Uncle Joe comes from Mexico and we have known each other for years. Joe is a muscular man with a tanned complexion, he really stands out with his dark brown blond hair and carefully groomed beard giving us a friendly and approachable feeling. Joe is a totally enthusiastic and incomparably friendly, guess that's why his eatery is always attracting a ton of people. Not like me, i'm freakish as hell... Honestly, i think i am a very lucky boy somehow, i have Max here with me and Joe always being so gracious to me. And so, it's odd...
While waiting for Joe to bring out the food, Max and I do what we usually do — people-watching. Max is pretty smart; sometimes I feel like he actually understands what I'm saying. I make a random comment, and somehow, he always seems to respond in his own way. Like today, I spot a guy hurrying around with a suitcase. I joke, "Hey Max, I bet that guy's up to something shady, don't you think?", I glanced at Max — he looks at me for a moment, then started wagging his tail. Well, I'll take that as a nod.
" Here come the tacos"
Joe comes out of the kitchen with two vegetable tacos that he places on two disposable plates.
Max and I immediately focus on the two hot and fragrant tacos, tacos originally from ancient Mexico now made by a Mexican cook, it is way attractive even for a picky eater like me.
" Thank you, champ", before putting the tacos in my mouth I try looking at what all the other customers are eating. It is interesting to see people with the same taste as us.
Max has already finished the dish when i just took a bite. Man, he doesn't have to be fast like that...
And on my second bite, the TV located inside the trailer is showing the News: "The US government has begun a project to exploit strange object found on the moon"...
" There's gonna be a huge evolutionary step in human history they say, funny isn't it ?", a male customer comments.
" I heard that mysterious object was just a random stone, what's wrong with a stone ?", another customer replies.
" Haha, we're done for..."
"Well, Sam what do you think, it sounds marvelous, isn't it ?", Uncle Joe asks me while baking breads, "You're used to be into such stuffs.."
Joe's question directly throws me back to reality.
" I don't know... It's just so... stupid."
" Come on, kiddo. What's going on with you lately ? You seem quiet..."
I've been avoiding this for a while but maybe it's time to face it.
" Yeah, thing hasn't been going well, my book sales are really bad, it seems like my writing style is not suitable for the general audience or no one cares about stars anymore. I don't know how us will be in the near future...", I say
" Stop doubting yourself, boy. Should you try writing more, to maintain your passion, or at least to relieve your mind a little. Everyone has bad times." Joe tries to comfort me.
" I did try to write some pages, thousands of words, but maybe i have just been wrong all the times."
" Oh boy, you know, I was broke and reckless, I was just a Mexican who loved cooking but the food i made in my hometown had been criticized badly and sourly. I did get bitter and disappointed but i still kept cooking, cook and cook all the times, I bought a trailer, left my home, traveled everywhere learning, cooking and selling and look at me now, not so rich or big business or anything, but at least I'm successful with my dream. I'm happy with this, Sam... Life is experience, building a career is not a matter of a day or two, it might take your whole lifetime."
" Hehe, i appreciate that, Joe, thank you ", I answer to Joe's words of comfort.
" You're welcome, and don't worry about those tacos, they're on the house, come to my place whenever you need help"
Impressed by Joe's offer, I replied, " I'm so lucky to have you being my friend, see you later.."
After saying goodbye to Joe, Max and I continued on to our next favorite place.
I've been writing for 5 years now, I have had a few books published and the sales had been quite good, but it has only been that way and gradually no one wants to buy them anymore. Most readers have commented that my books are really too vague and difficult to read, maybe because of my writing style. That really bothers me a bit. I have also tried to change my writing style and genre, at times like this I often go to a place, that is a coffee shop bookstore.
" Welcome to..., oh, Sam and Max." The dark haired woman standing at the counter greeted us as max and I walked in.
" Hey, Jane, how's things going ?"
" So so, how about ya, are you still stuck with writing?"
" Oh Jane, I'd rather not..."
I've known Jane since college, she's quite mature for her age but contrary to her appearance, Jane has a modest height and chubby skin like a child, she likes to dress in lolita style so it always creates a strange paradoxical feeling from this girl.
" Your books are placed on the shelf over there.", Jane pointed into the distance," Lately, your books have been rented by a few book lovers to take home, and they've given some pretty positive reviews."
Max squeezes in front of me and runs towards the bookshelf, I step back and reply to Jane," Really, that's a good news in the morning, what did they say ?"
" I can only summarize it as something like quite bold idea, very ambitious content arrangement ."
" Oh man, I don't think they praised it.", I am let down a little, "Anyway, can I have a high-sugar coffee and some biscuits for Max, please?"
Jane squinted at me teasingly, " Coming right up, Mr. gloom."
Jane has just started mixing when I go straight to the bookshelf where Max is standing, sniffing the wooden shelf's base.
I crouch down and inspect every books on each rows to find my name printed on one of these…
" There they are", my works stand there in the small corner of the bookshelf. Some of them are leaning against each other, revealing small gaps, " Ah, there's someone has borrowed my books!" I cry out happily
I originally intend to come here to read books by other young authors to learn something from them, but for some reason my hand end up holding my own book. Maybe it's because I haven't touched writing for a long time, making me miss my old self a little. I used to write educational books about astronomy but then I switched to writing a science fiction novel on the same topic. Maybe it sounds like a kid but to be honest, I really believe that there are a lot of undiscovered things out there like creatures, planets or even concepts…
I take the astronomy book with my name on it and sit on a sofa by the window. Max notices that and stops playing around but snuggles up to my feet and lie down.
The cozy space and orange lighting make this place even more peaceful. Although not many people come here, there are still a few regular customers who, once they come, are addicted like me and Max. If this place closes, I will lose a place to return to.
" What are you daydreaming about, Mr. gloom ? Here's your coffee and cookies for Max.", Jane suddenly appears and wakes me up.
" Ah... Thank you, Janey."
" Did I interrupt you, Sam ?"
" No, of course, don't be silly, I'm just reminiscing a little...", I say
Jane slowly sits across from me.
" You're thinking about them again, ain't you ?"
The blunt question makes me stun a bit.
" Hmm... ", I don't know what to say
" Don't worry about them too much, you are an adult now and have a job and a house of your own, you can completely ignore them and focus on your own happiness."
"...", I stay completely silent, staring into an empty space, my mind has gone for a second.
" It's okay to do that, Sam, live is too short to carry too many problems...", Jane continues, " Anyway, we're having a party this weekend at my sister's tattoo shop, please show up there ?"
"Oh, ah, yeah, I will,… should I bring something ?"
" Yes, you should bring you body, your brain and Max, haha, see you there!!!", Jane goes back to the counter.
Jane still remembers the relationship between me and my parents back then, which was a headache. But should I…?
I sip the cup of coffee Jane made , it's hot and bitter but sweet enough to linger comfortably on my tongue. Jane is a really good barista…
I glance at Max crunching his cookies as fast as usual like someone will take them from him. His ears keep twitching and his nose keeps sniffing the dropped crumbs, how hilarious!! Even though I've seen this scene many times, I still love seeing Max like this.
After the delicious taste of coffee has melted on my tongue, I begin to turn the pages of my astronomy book, where I had written almost everything I knew about the universe: about star systems about the connection of physics and the universe... At this point, I just remember why I am so interested in the universe. Maybe it is all thanks to my brother, since we were young, he and I both wanted to become astronauts to fly to asteroids, to discover new living creatures.
I still remember the last time I saw him, he joked: "When I come back, I will tell you about the far side of the moon."
It's a pity I can't hear him anymore.....
I spent over 5 hours reading that book and Max continued to sleep next to me. I still haven't yet finished reading the book but I have to stop because it is past noon already and I have to fill my and Max's stomachs. I put the book back on the shelf and say goodbye to Jane, then we head off to our next destination.
In my free time, besides reading or walking, I also often look for some good restaurants. I am not a big eater, but if I come across a new dish, I will not care how much it costs and still eat it at least once. Today was the same, Max and I walk through the streets and finally arrive at a food street: Little Italy...
Even though it is a working day, there were still many people passing by, both families and tourists. But it isn't too crowded so Max and I can still leisurely stroll on the sidewalks and the wafting aroma of food still drifts in the air to invite us.
Actually, I've eaten Italian food so much that it's nothing new to me. But since so much time has passed, the taste of Italy doesn't seem to linger on my tongue much... Now I just want to eat pasta.
Max and I stopped by a few restaurants but most of them wouldn't let Max in and I understand that. Finally, Max and I decide to stop by a roadside food stall to have lunch today. Luckily they also sell pasta so I buy 2 servings of meatballs for Max and some pasta for me. Then, we find a public chair and eat our lunch there.
Speaking of Max, he has a very strong body and unlike other normal dogs, he seems to be able to eat anything without any problem and now Max is 17 years old, really too long-lived for a dog. However, I still try to balance Max's health and his stomach cause' who knows what's going to happen…. But it really doesn't matter when Max is still here with me, really doesn't matter
Back to the food, I really don't have high expectations for a roadside eatery, but thanks to that, when a plate of pasta exceeds my expectations, I feel really happy. The plump noodles with the rich, sweet tomato sauce and a few pieces of meatballs made my lunch perfect. Max also seems to really enjoy his lunch today as he eats intently without paying attention to anything, normally when he comes to places like this, he smells everything unstoppably.
After a hearty and filling lunch, Max and I sit in a nearby park to rest.
Max is still very energetic, perhaps because he has taken a nap at the coffee shop, so when he sees the other dogs playing frisbee, Max also wants to play. I am now probably swallowed by my bloated stomach and can only lie still. Then Max notices that, perhaps he really understands and immediately stops asking, lying still next to me. Come on, Max, I promise to let you fly, haha.....
....
...
To say that, autumn is probably my favorite season, it is the transition time of many things, of life and all things. I really love the chilly air when the leaves are still on the trees, swaying in the wind. The clouds still cover the sun but there is no longer the harsh sunshine of summer. I think people look so relaxed and gentle at this moment...
And so I accidentally fell asleep for more than an hour, haha, that's bad. But Max probably isn't mad at me, when I woke up I saw Max playing with the other dogs, so energetic... I see that and decide to join them. Honestly, it's been a long time since I've exercised this hard...
It is almost 4pm when Max and I decide to head to our next destination. It is quite far from the city and we have to take a bus to get there quickly. It is a place that held many memories for me, when I was a child and they were with me...
The bus is pretty empty, it seems like few people took this route in the afternoon. It is surprisingly quiet, just the sound of the bus hitting the road and Max's breathing. Damn, I have to try to stay awake so I won't miss the stop.
The bus stops at the edge of the forest, a wooden sign is staked there that say: Family's Favorite Fishing Spot. That's right, Max and I are going fishing on a small boat in the middle of the forest.
As the sky softened into the glow of late afternoon, Max and I wandered along a path lined with carefully laid bricks. The heavens were awash in the deep violet-red of the setting sun, slipping beyond the hills, as though the entire forest had adorned itself with a crown of crimson clouds. This enchanting scene filled me with a quiet yearning to remain by Max's side forever, just the two of us, strolling together through empty boulevards, beneath wisps of fleeting clouds, over mountains and rivers that ripple endlessly into the horizon…
Caught in my daydream, I barely noticed old Goodman emerging from his fishing spot. He was the keeper of the lake here, a gentle guardian of this serene place,
" Sam and Max, why are you two here so late ?"
" Oh, is this place closed already ?"
" Yes boys, it's almost 6 P.M, I have to go home and have dinner and i will open this again at 8 P.M."
" What a pity, but I can look after this for you."
" What, you have nothing else to do ? Have you had your dinner yet ?"
" Not yet but we will have our dinner once we catch some fish ?", I tell him in a cheerful way.
" I really don't forbid you anything, you've known me all your life but I'm afraid it's a bit dangerous right now, no one will help you.", Uncle Goodman advises me.
" Don't worry, Uncle, Max is here too.", Max looks at Uncle Goodman wagging his tail.
Old Goodman becomes silent for a moment then says," Alright lad, If you want it then so just do it, stay safe, I'll be back at 7:30 pm and don't worry about money, everything is free.", Mr. Goodman shoulders his rod and disappears into the dimming forest path.
The old man, Goodman, a friend of my late grandfather, was elderly but still remarkably strong and diligent. His muscular physique made me, a 20-year-old, envious of a 70-year-old...Anyway, Max and I hope to catch at least twenty fish tonight. We enter the fishing area, and Max, spotting the large lake, runs off to explore and sniff around. I head to the small wooden house, where life jackets and fishing gear are stored, to grab some bait, 2 life jackets, and an automatic fishing rod.
When I finish getting ready it is much darker, the moon has risen to touch the top of the mountain, the red light of the sun was gradually disappearing in the west. nevertheless I still push the boat out to the lake and sit on it with Max, I try to row the boat closer to the middle of the lake to have a convenient fishing position, Max even uses his snout to steer the oar to help me row the boat.
Floating in the middle of the big lake, I just remember some old memories with my family, when I was only 8 years old. My parents were extremely busy back then, they didn't have much time for my brother and I. But when they found out that my brother had been selected by NASA to train as an astronaut, my parents actually took a day off work to take us to this fishing spot, which was a familiar place where my grandfather often took my father. While I was playing on the boat, I somehow fell and sank into the lake, I don't remember what happened at that time but I still vaguely saw my brother pulling me up... haha, thinking back it's so hilarious, it turns out that was the reason the old Goodman was worried about me...
The sky turns almost completely dark, the sun giving way to twinkling stars and the glow of the moon. Max gazes at the stars and watches the ripples in the water, like he's checking if any fish bite. I catch three decent-sized grass carp, so now I just stare at the sky, not caring about the fishing rod tempting the fish below. Looking at the sky, I just remember the reasons why I write books, why I dream so much, and why I feel so aimless now:
"There's the Cassiopeia constellation, Max…",I accidentally blurt out.
Suddenly, in the night sky, a flash of light streaks upward, catching all the attention of both me and Max,
"Is that a shooting star ?"
Max suddenly growls, barking wildly, his body jerking with each bark, making the boat rock back and forth.
" Chill out, buddy, You hate a shooting star, come on, make a wish, it's maybe a present for our birthday ... ", I reassure Max with words.
" Let see, what should I ..... AH, I wish I could soar across the galaxy, chasing stars and secrets beyond the horizon." , I scream with all my heart and soul, " HAHAHA, yeah.. I wish..."
The air falls silent for a moment, then turns noticeably colder, and the lake water starts rippling, almost like waves. "A storm's coming?" I mutter to myself. I glance back at the sky, where dark clouds slowly cover the stars, leaving only the faint glow of the moon. "Damn it, is this my birthday gift?" I signal to Max that we need to get to shore fast. Max seems to get it; he grabs the paddle in his mouth and starts rowing the boat toward the bank. I hurriedly reel in the fishing rod and paddle alongside Max. Suddenly, the wind picks up fiercely, whistling past me, the whole forest echoing with the rustling of leaves clashing together. Then a massive downpour hits, making our little boat sway wildly, nearly impossible to steer. The lake water churns, as if trying to swallow the paddle in my hand. I shout to Max,
"No good, Max, we've gotta swim!"
I sling the fishing rod over my back, grab the bucket with our catch, and brace myself to jump into the lake. We're about eight meters from shore, so swimming's faster in this mess. Both of us are wearing life jackets, so I hug Max and hurl him as close to land as I can. He bobs up easily on the water and starts swimming toward shore. I plunge into the lake, trying to keep my body straight and push forward. The water's freezing, like it's turning me to ice. My wet pants cling to me, weighing me down, but I can't strip them off here and my eyes is litterally covered by the heavy rain making me barely see. After a few minutes of struggling, I finally get close to shore, my body nearly spent. Luckily, Max reaches me, bites my life jacket, and drags me fully onto the bank. I snap back to my senses, jump up, and scoop Max into my arms, rushing into the wooden shed nearby.
As soon as we get inside, I slam the door shut, peel off Max's life jacket, and then strip off my own soaked clothes. Max's golden fur is now a muddy mess, dripping wet, looking downright pitiful. My body shivers so hard I can barely move, fumbling to pull the heater from under the bed. It's a battery-powered heater, set up by old Goodman for situations like this. Honestly, I owe the guy a big thank you. After ten minutes of huddling together, Max and I warm up and stop shivering. Only then do we notice the fish in the plastic bucket. Now, how do we cook these things? While I'm lost in thought, the old rotary phone by the bed suddenly rings, startling me. I pick it up to answer… "Sam, is that you? It's Goodman", comes the voice.
"Oh, it's you, Goodman. You even set up a rotary phone for emergencies? You're nuts, man", I say, half-laughing.
"Haha, small stuff, kid", Goodman chuckles. "Anyway, Sam, this huge storm came out of nowhere. I'm afraid I can't make it out there. Sorry, kid. Stay in the shed, don't go outside. I've got some candles and a lighter stashed under the fishing rod cabinet. Use 'em to cook those fish if you caught any. Otherwise, you and Max might have to go hungry tonight."
"No worries, Goodman. Thanks for the shelter and all this prep. We'll be fine", I say, rummaging for the candles and lighter as I talk. "Alright, Sam. I'll be back in the morning," Goodman says, then hangs up.
Thanks to that call, I get an idea. I grab the metal bait boxes, flatten them out, and I pick up four medium-sized rocks near the shed to use as legs to prop up one metal sheet, while I place the other sheet on the ground as a base. Then I set four candles in the middle of this makeshift stove to get ready for grilling the fish. Now comes the hard part—dealing with these thrashing fish. I have to use the pocketknife I brought to gut them and slice the meat so it cooks faster. "Sorry, little guys…" I lay the three grass carp on the metal sheet, light the four candles, and now it's just a waiting game. Haha, yeah, this might take a while…
=====================
While waiting for the fish to be perfectly cooked, Sam and Max have sung some songs together. This time, it seems like Max has show his way of understanding some clearer.
They have a happy dinner together that night, their last normal night…
" BOOMZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
" WHAT THE HECK ???? Did you hear that, Max ? Oh man, it scared the heck out of me…, guess it was just a lightning strike or a falling power pole."
But Max doesn't think so, he starts to be alert…
" Jesus Christ…" Sam says…
...….
...
…
Beneath the cold night sky, in the midst of the pounding rain, Sam and Max sleep peacefully together inside the small wooden cabin. The candle has just flickered out. Outside the tiny glass window beside Sam, as he drifts deeper into dreams, a shadow stand watching the two of them slumber…