By Sruthi Nambiar
In the cold expanse of stardust and darkness, a spacecraft orbits Earth. Its lone occupant shifts uncomfortably inside the cramped quarters, whimpering softly. She does not like the new place the humans have sent her to.
Suddenly, the spacecraft's lone window opens, and a hand appears. The dog pushes herself further into the cramped space, wanting to escape from the mysterious hand. Upon realizing that she cannot, she lunges forward to nip the hand. The thick gloves prevent her from laying a mark.
A gentle voice, its owner unseen, wafts in. "Hi, Laika. Hello. You are such a good girl. The best girl. Who is the lovely one? You look so cute in your space suit."
Laika tilts her head upon hearing the voice. Her tail cautiously wags as she sniffs at the mysterious hand. She likes what she smells.
Just as she settles, the hand grabs Laika by the scruff of her neck and carries her out of the spacecraft. Laika yelps. She struggles valiantly, trying her hardest to break free. She settles when the person gently cradles her against their body.
Just as Laika rests her little head on a bony shoulder, the surroundings change. Laika is back on Earth, but it smells different. She has not returned home. She whines questioningly, looking up at the gentle face smiling down at her.
"It is going to be okay girl," Clairent states. " I may not be able to take you home, but I can give you a new one. I think you will like it very much."
Laika, true to her name, barks in response.
"Your story does not end with you alone in a spacecraft," Clairent whispers fiercely, "You will live Little Barker. You will Live."
By Sruthi Nambiar
I didn't understand much but it was a better treat 🫠