Chaser's ears perked as the babble of a crowd reached him.
"-Really good"
"Hasn't missed once!"
"-One of those weird orphanage kids"
A Doberman that looked to be about Chaser's age was playing Hopscotch.
"One two what shall I do?
Three four ghouls at the door
Five six time for tricks
Seven eight tail straight
Nine ten over again!"
The final space was marked "Wag Your Tail," and the pup obediently did so, to thunderous applause. His return journey didn't miss a beat, stone clutched like a priceless gem.
"Who taught you how to move like that?" Chaser asked.
The Doberman looked genuinely surprised. "All little kids know how to play Hopscotch. Don't you?"
Now Chaser was surprised. He in fact did not.
(C) Ken McKey 2024