6
The morning found John eating once again out of that old dirty metal pot. Ashley had gone outside to get it. He ate the dry dog food for breakfast while Ashley sat at the table munching down on Pop-Tarts.
When John was done, Ashley kindly filled his bowl with water so that he could wash down the dry food. As John watched her fidget around the kitchen he finally asked, "Are you going to put me out on the leash again today when you leave?"
"Of course. I can't very well take you with me now, can I?" she said. "The courts don't let dogs in the building."
"If you leave me in the house, I promise not to get on the furniture."
"Sorry."
"Please, Master, I can't take another day locked up out there, helpless like a real dog. It's hot. Can we leave for home the minute you're done in court so that we can unchain me?"
"You're really getting tired of being a dog, aren't you?"
"I was sick of it yesterday."
Ashley leisurely walked into the living room to sit down. John followed behind on all fours as she knew he would. "What's the matter? You don't like seeing me get along just fine without you as a man?"
"No, that's not it."
"So then, are you ready to drop this stupid fantasy and be a man?"
John just sat on the floor and looked at her. He had no answer.
"Let's get married, John," Ashley said. "I know that you don't need all of this stuff. I know that you can be a real man for me. I just know it."
"Ashley, I can't do that. It wouldn't be fair to you. I am just a dog."
"No you're not! You're a man with a sexual dysfunction. And you're admitting that you are getting over it. Right now even."
"No, I'm just not used to being in captivity. I'm panicking on a slow, controlled level."
Ashley ran her finger across the table. "So, you still don't want to get married."
"I--I can't," John said hanging his head.
"Well, you had better keep your panic under control for the next few days. Since you're really a dog, you won't mind staying chained in that position." She stood up and walked back into the kitchen.
John followed. "Ashley, I can't take it much longer."