Three little old ladies came up to me after my mother\u2019s funeral holding a basket.\u00a0 \u201cThis is Harvey,\u201d the strongest one said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was a little confused because my Dad\u2019s name was Harvey.\u00a0\u00a0I looked into the basket not knowing what to expect\u00a0and found a shaking, whining wet nosed little dog.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019d keep him, you understand, because he was such a dear thing to your mother but I have a cat and these other ladies already have dogs.\u00a0\u00a0They only allow us one pet at the retirement center.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I nodded dumbly because I didn\u2019t know Mom had a dog.\u00a0\u00a0I wasn\u2019t fond of animals for the simple fact they were time consumers, but what was I to do?\u00a0\u00a0I missed my mother, so I took the basket choked back some tears and said thank you.\u00a0 The women disbursed quickly and without so much as here\u2019s a bag of dog treats for your trip.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I took the long way home. Mom lived in Lancing and I live in Grand Rapids. A straight northwest drive and I\u2019m home in a few hours but I couldn\u2019t face the house, the small yard, the struggling fruit trees and the gray walls of my home. I needed to see and hear Lake Huron and contemplate the water along the beach of the fresh water monster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first couple of nights were tough thinking of my mom next to my dad in their graves.\u00a0\u00a0Harvey seemed to feel the same way.\u00a0\u00a0He ate very little and never whined or barked to go out. He squatted as if on command and seemed disinterested in the entire process.\u00a0\u00a0It wasn\u2019t until I made it to the straights of Mackinaw that both Harvey and I perked up.\u00a0\u00a0I parked my car west of Cheboygan, looked out at the straights and sighed.\u00a0\u00a0Looking over at the basket, Harvey had his paws up on the edge and his tail was wagging.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHey, you coming back to life?\u201d I looked out the windshield again, wondering if I was missing something. \u201cLooks the same to me, but let\u2019s go have a look.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I put the lead on Harvey and he took off toward the beach immediately. I let him go where he wanted, fascinated that his tail was wagging without abashment. I smiled. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou need to make sure he doesn\u2019t get mites from the sand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harvey and I both stopped. I turned to face the person who wanted to rain on our little parade and jumped back. An adolescent girl, long straight hair, large chocolate brown eyes was standing almost against me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhoa! I didn\u2019t hear you coming.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the sand. Make sure won\u2019t you? Make sure he doesn\u2019t get sand mites.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah sure.\u201d I noticed that she didn\u2019t kneel or try to pet Harvey and he didn\u2019t approach her. The dog stood as if petrified. I edged closer to my now shaking canine and I think it was at that moment Harvey loved me. Head down and abject, he gingerly came close to me and nearly curled around my ankle. I picked him up and held him close. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThanks again.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0I turned and walked away from the strange girl without putting Harvey down.\u00a0\u00a0I walked straight ahead toward the crashing lake. \u201cI suppose if I look back she won\u2019t be there.\u201d\u00a0 Harvey rewarded me with a small snuffle.\u00a0 I heaved in a large breath of fresh air, turned and sure enough the girl\u00a0was gone.\u00a0\u00a0I felt my shoulders sink, tension left me.\u00a0\u00a0I looked down at the black-eyed dog tucked protectively under my arm.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWhew, glad she left.\u00a0\u00a0What a killjoy.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Turning back to the water, I was again nose-to-nose with the somber girl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou will make sure, won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harvey barked a sharp angry bark that I had yet to hear out of the little dog.\u00a0\u00a0I turned on my heel, dog tucked under my arm, and ran.\u00a0\u00a0I did not look back.\u00a0\u00a0My hands shook as I tried to push the button to unlock and start my car, all the while Harvey barked.\u00a0\u00a0I sensed the girl coming closer while Harvey\u2019s barking became more frenzied.\u00a0\u00a0I shoved the dog in the car, kept my head down and jumped in.\u00a0\u00a0I slammed the door and locked it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do not think I bothered to look around.\u00a0\u00a0I blessed automatic start, put the car in reverse and didn\u2019t look behind me; I drove away.\u00a0\u00a0Harvey however barked his ever-living head nearly off as we drove out of the parking lot and he didn\u2019t stop until I was well on my way to Mackinaw City\u00a0 \u201cIs she gone, boy?\u201d I asked with all the sincerity of a frightened man.\u00a0\u00a0The dog said nothing but looked up at me with what I thought was devout love or pity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I had planned on staying just outside of Cheboygan, but we drove into Mackinaw City instead. I found a busy-looking hotel near to the beach and walked in with my dog tucked into his basket. I had no intention of leaving him alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo you accept pets?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSure do. What\u2019s his name?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHarvey.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow do Harvey!\u00a0\u00a0Welcome to Mackinaw City.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0The hotel clerk looked at me out of the tops of his eyes while he ran my credit card.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cYou here to shop the late summer sales?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo, just wanting to see some coast line. I\u2019m from Grand Rapids, just needed to get away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The clerk nodded and handed back my card. \u201cThe dog run is at the west exit. We just ask that you clean up after your dog. Do you need a wake up call or anything?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I looked down at Harvey, \u201cNo, I think we will sleep in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMake sure he doesn\u2019t get mites. Sand mites are a dog\u2019s bane around here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I froze and I think Harvey stiffened too. I looked hard at the man and he looked uncomfortable. \u201cWe keep some spray or something like that in the gift shop, just over there. I think it\u2019s still open.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I relaxed a little. \u201cOkay, thanks.\u201d I backed away and Harvey sensing my tension let out a small warning bark. I shushed him and headed for the west exit. \u201cHang on buddy,\u201d I said, \u201cLet\u2019s take a walk and then we will check out the gift shop.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The straits were calm and Harvey and I sat and watched a long boat glide east toward Huron. \u201cWell, boy, should we get inside and see about some food?\u201d Without a fuss, the dog jumped into his basket and looked up at me and then beyond me.\u00a0\u00a0Harvey lifted his upper lip, and the hair rose along his back and the scruff of his neck.\u00a0\u00a0I shot out of my seat like a rocket and turned to see what was behind me.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlease, please make sure he doesn\u2019t get sand mites. Sand mites are bad for the dog.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I leaned over and grabbed the basket and dog.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cWho the hell are you and why are you following me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The girl stood there without blinking and stared at Harvey. \u201cIf he\u2019s too much for you, I\u2019ll take care of him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI want you to get away from me and my dog. Do you want me to call the police?\u201d I looked down, fumbling for my phone. I looked back up and the girl had disappeared. Harvey was looking at me from his basket, his little legs trembling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay, boy.\u201d I turned back to the hotel and walked into the lobby. A girl in bangles and flashy clothes was pulling down steel gratings, closing the gift shop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWait! Oh please wait. I think my dog has sand mites.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cListen, I\u2019m sorry,\u201d said the gum chewing adolescent, her bright red hair highlighted by a streak of aqua blue flashed like lightening under the phosphorescent lights. She turned an unsympathetic face toward me, glanced down into Harvey\u2019s basket and her blue eyes went wide and her mouth puckered into an oh. \u201cWhat a sweetie,\u201d said the hardened young weirdo. \u201cOh, how long have you had him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I glanced at Harvey and he at me and I knew we were a team. \u201cWell, to tell you the truth, I\u2019ve only had him for a few days. He belonged to my mother\u2026 she passed away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah, thanks.\u00a0\u00a0Well, anyway, I\u2019m not too sure about dogs and\u2026 well, I want nothing to, you know, happen to him.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0Harvey put his little chin on the edge of the basket and looked at the girl.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWell, we\u2019ve got some special spray for dogs. So many people bring their dogs for the sun, beach and water, not realizing there are sand mites. I\u2019ve seen dogs in terrible shape in just a day or two. Here following me.\u201d The girl was switching the lights back on and pulling out sprays, ointments, dog treats, the works. \u201cYou know we even have these little coats for dogs that might help protect him.\u201d I bought whatever she told me to. I handed her my credit card without blinking, thinking I was buying good luck charms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can\u2019t thank you enough for opening up again\u2026\u201d Harvey sat up and wagged his tail, giving the girl his best good-dog salute. I think his little chest expanded about half an inch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh, for such a cutie as that, I\u2019ll open up again. Besides, maybe that ghost will stop bothering you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cExcuse me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe ghost\u2013the creepy girl that keeps after you about your dog.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow the hell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI saw her follow you in earlier. She seems real anxious about the dog. He belonged to your mother?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhere did she get him?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have no idea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cashier looked hard at Harvey and the dog looked right back at her. \u201cWell, he isn\u2019t giving anything up and he seems to like you. I hope she leaves you alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMe too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou get all sorts of ghost around here. The old sailors they pretty much leave everyone alone but the tragic young things who thought the straits were just like any other freshwater lake are always the ones to become anxious and haunt the most unsuspecting tourist.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m not a tourist, I\u2019m from Grand Rapids.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The girl shrugged and turned out the lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harvey slept all night tucked up close to me, smelling of anti-pest spray. There was no one standing over us in the morning. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u201cI\u2019m not a tourist, I\u2019m from Grand Rapids.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[29,3,19],"tags":[11,15,16],"class_list":["post-738","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ghost-story","category-short-fiction","category-writing","tag-amwriting","tag-fridayreads","tag-storyfriday"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"amp_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lydiaink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/738","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lydiaink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lydiaink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lydiaink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lydiaink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=738"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lydiaink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/738\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":840,"href":"https:\/\/lydiaink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/738\/revisions\/840"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lydiaink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=738"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lydiaink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=738"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lydiaink.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=738"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}