during a semitrailer traffic stop, a search of the truck reveals illegal
immigrants being transported to New York. Local shelters can house the women
while the case is processed, but they can’t accommodate the lone man. Unwilling
to leave a vulnerable person alone at the mercy of the system, Atlas takes him
in until a place can be found for him.
America, but he’s determined to get where he’s going, no matter how scared he is. He appreciates Atlas offering him a place to stay, but he’s forgotten how to trust anyone, much less a figure of authority like Atlas.
Bazel yawned. So tired. Now that he was not moving and not afraid all the time, all he wanted was sleep. Still, he nodded, and Atlas left the room. The dog came back in, and this time she rested her head on Bazel’s legs. He stroked her head, and she stayed still. “Good dog.” He still wasn’t sure about her, but she seemed nice. Dogs in his country had been turned into weapons, but this one was gentle with him, even if she was a police dog.
He closed his eyes and petted the dog. Maybe he fell to sleep. Bazel wasn’t sure, but he woke to the smell of hot food, and his belly rumbled. “Come in and eat,” Altas said, and Bazel sat at table as a bowl of noodles with sauce on it was placed in front of him. It smelled good, and he picked up one of the utensils and began to eat. As soon as the food hit his belly, his hunger kicked in and he ate faster, not able to get enough. “It’s okay. There is more if you want it.”
Bazel slowed down. He did not want Atlas to think he ate like an animal. “Is good.” He drank some water and ate with concentration, and once his bowl was empty, Atlas offered more. Not knowing when he would eat again, he took more and ate until he could not eat any more. The he wondered if Atlas thought him selfish, but it was too late.
Atlas took the bowls to the sink and led Bazel upstairs to a room with a white bed and chest. The blankets were clean, and the room was cool and dry. He sat on the side of the bed, the softness calling to him. “Would you like to shower?” Atlas asked and motioned to the bathroom.
Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then, he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.
Andrew Grey
I always enjoy books written by Andrew Grey Thanks for a great post
I enjoy books with animals in them.