Gone

I stomped to my room. I kicked at my giant stuffed bear. "You all saw that Loaf turned his head when I called for him, why are you still mad at me?" I yelled at the door.

It was silent downstairs, then I heard the door close. Shortly after, I heard more stomping and Michael came into my room.

"What happened after I left?" I asked.

His face turned gloomy. "Dad said I have to go back to my apartment and not come here for a while. I can't help you anymore."

"What? He can't do that! You promised that you would help me get Loaf back!"

"I have to go back to work, I'm sorry," Michael said.

My parents must have heard us.

"Michael, what are you doing in Annnie's room? We told you to go back to your place!" Mom yelled at him.

He left without another word. I fell onto my bed, and kicked at my pillow. "How am I going to get Loaf back?"

Then, an idea popped into my head. I could steal Loaf back. I had to find a way to get out without getting caught. Mom and dad would be watching me like a hawk, and I already tried sneaking out when they were asleep. I snuggled next to my giant stuffed bear.

Suddenly, it came to me and I moved the bear onto my bed and covered it with my blanket. Hopefully they would think it was me if they came up to check.

"I am going to sleep for a while," I yelled toward the stairs.

No one answered, they were still ignoring me. I closed the door to my room and quietly headed downstairs. My parents in the living room, so I crept into the kitchen and snuck out the back again.

I got out of our backyard and immediately headed to the Firs. I climbed through the broken part of their fence Michael and I had seen the last time we were there.

I hid behind a bush beside the fence and looked for Loaf.I saw him behind a cherry tree and called out, "Loaf."

His ears perked up, but he didn't move.

"Loaf!" I said louder.

He saw me and came running. I grabbed his collar and pulled him out of the Firs backyard. I led him to our backyard, and upstairs to my room.

The moment I got to my room I hugged Loaf tightly. Before I knew it, tears were rolling down my cheeks. I heard talking and it sounded like my parents, they knocked on the door to my room. Before I could react, Loaf barked. He always barked when he heard knocking.

The door to my room burst open and Mom and Dad's faces were full of shock.

"Annie, what are you doing with Butter?" Dad asked.

"Dad, it's Loaf," I said.

"Loaf is gone. You can't just steal Butler from Livia because you miss your dog!" He completely ignored what I just said.

"Apologize to Livia and return her dog to her. You are grounded for a month, and you're not allowed to use your phone unless for homework," Mom said.

Before I could protest, Mom grabbed my arm with her left hand and grabbed Loaf's collar with the other one. She led me to the Firs front door and knocked.

Mr. Fir opened the door and invited us in. I saw Livia sitting on the floor and crying, the moment she saw Loaf, her face lit up.

"Butter!" She exclaimed.

Surprisingly, Loaf actually listened to her and went to her. Mom stared at me, then whispered, "Apologize to Livia. Or else I'll ground you for even longer."

I slumped and turned toward Livia. "I am sorry for stealing Butter from you,"

"It's okay." She had her arms wrapped around the dog's neck. He genuinely seemed to love her.

I grit my teeth and went back home. I sank into my bed and sobbed.

I lost him. That was all I could think of. I lost Loaf. Livia had my dog and there was no way to get him back.

The next morning, Dad read the newspaper and Mom watched the news. They didn't seem to notice me. I poured some milk into a bowl and added cereal to it. I took my food upstairs and began to eat.

I couldn't think of anything other than Loaf. He was gone, forever, I thought.