Barnaby sat poised before the silver laptop, one white paw extended with authoritative grace across the keys. The screen glowed, illuminating a face of sheer determination. He wasn’t simply occupying space on the sofa, he was a senior consultant conducting a high level audit. His posture suggested he was in the middle of drafting an urgent memo regarding the unacceptable delay in the morning kibble service. The deadline was tight, and his patience was thin.
But the rigors of the corporate lifestyle are draining. Soon, the spreadsheets were abandoned. The screen no longer displayed quarterly projections, but a high definition livestream of sparrows in a meadow. Barnaby’s chin grew heavy, sinking onto the trackpad and effectively freezing the cursor. His eyes glazed over, mesmerized by a bird that refused to be caught, his productivity plummeting with every chirp from the speakers.
By early afternoon, the crash was undeniable. He collapsed onto the wooden table, a puddle of grey and white fur bathing in a sunbeam. The ambition of the morning had evaporated, replaced by a deep, existential ennui. He lay flat, paws tucked tight, staring blankly ahead. He appeared to be pondering the futility of chasing laser pointers that could never truly be captured.
Attempting to shake off the malaise, he turned to recreation. It did not go as planned. A blue plastic spring, intended for athletic pursuit, somehow became lodged on his left ear like a malfunctioning antenna. A small pink tongue slipped out in confused defeat. He sat there, a chaotic jester, broadcasting his silliness to the quiet room and regretting his life choices.
Finally, dignity had to be restored. He sat up straight on the rug, pupils dilated into vast, dark pools. He tilted his head back, deploying a gaze of absolute, weaponized innocence. It was a look that erased all memory of the unwritten emails and the spring ear incident, demanding affection and perhaps a second lunch with silent, adorable intensity.
Shannon Willis can usually be found in the company of furry friends. A passionate animal enthusiast, her work is often inspired by her deep love for cats, dogs, and the animal kingdom as a whole.
