The Sheepdog

Kevin

I take my role in life seriously. You’ve heard how everyone fits into one of three categories: a sheep, a wolf, or a sheepdog? Well, I’m proud to be a sheepdog. I will fiercely protect those that I consider to be a part of my flock.

When everyone is settled safely at home for the night, doors and windows locked, outdoor lights and security cameras on… that’s when I can rest. Lightly. Any sound or disturbance, and I’m instantly awake, ready to defend.

Sure, sometimes I let my guard down for a few moments as long as I’ve taken measures to ensure everyone’s safety. I make time when I can to play with the kids and I snuggle with the wife - Molly - every night on the couch.

And yeah, occasionally I may think something presents more of a threat than it actually ends up being. I can tend a little toward hyper-vigilance. When this happens, when I overreact, Molly rolls her eyes at me and tells me I need to take it easy. Then she’ll rub my shoulders to ease the tension away. What can I say? I have a responsibility. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Today started off much like my days always do. The alarm clock started blaring, waking Molly and me. She’d been a light sleeper since the kids were born. I pressed against her.

“Turn that off. And for the love of all that’s holy, don’t just hit snooze. You may have to get up at this ungodly hour, but that doesn’t mean that I should have to!” She pulled the covers back over her head. Molly is a sheep.

I got out of bed, stretched, and yawned. Then I headed downstairs for breakfast. The new programmable coffee maker meant the kitchen was already filled with the comforting scent of freshly-brewed coffee. I inhaled deeply, contentedly.

I had to shoo the darn cat - Tiberius, of all the ridiculous names for Molly to have chosen - away from my breakfast. He was always trying to pilfer from cups, plates, and bowls left unsupervised. Milk from a cereal bowl was undoubtedly his favorite. Of course he walked away casually, as if it had been his own choice to. Halfway across the tiled floor, he sat and licked his paw nonchalantly. Idiot.

I continued my morning routine, doing a quick survey of the house to make sure everything was as it should be. There was a solo jogger on the sidewalk outside which seemed a little suspect at 5:30 a.m., but hardly criminal. I narrowed my eyes at him until he was out of sight anyway.

I stepped into the backyard briefly, enjoying the comparative coolness of the morning air. By noon it would be unbearable. Someone had been grilling last night which caused the gentle morning breeze to smell faintly of chicken and charcoal. I hope Molly makes burgers for dinner tonight, I thought.

Molly

I opened my bleary eyes, simultaneously smiling and glaring. Us women can be skilled like that. I sleepily kissed my husband, who was leaning over the bed. I love our little morning rituals.

“CAC card, badge, keys, wallet, cell phone?” I rattled off the list of things he’d need for the day. I hoped to avoid having to get out of bed to unlock the front door in thirty seconds. He rolled his eyes, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

“God forbid a guy forgets something once or a dozen times. But yes, I have everything. I’ll see you tonight. I love you.” He nuzzled against my neck.

I chuckled and tilted my head, angling for another, longer, kiss. He happily granted the unspoken request. He always does.

“Drive safe, love,” I requested.

“I always do,” he said over his shoulder. “Oh, and Molly?” He paused in the doorway.

“Yeah?” I answered.

“Make sure you lock the door if you go anywhere today. When I got home last night it wasn’t locked.” Concern filled his eyes.

“Yes, sir. Love you.” He worried about everything. But who was I to complain from my safe cocoon?

I rolled over, thinking of attempting to go back to sleep. My bladder had other ideas. I sighed and removed myself from the comfort of our bed, figuring I may as well start the day. The kids would be awake soon, anyway, I was sure. It was summer vacation… but they were five and seven. They hadn’t yet reached the mythical age people say exists where kids actually enjoy sleeping in.

I headed downstairs, deciding to take advantage of the rare opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee uninterrupted. Well, uninterrupted aside from Tiberius. He blinked his green eyes at me, disappointed, as I put the creamer back in the fridge.

I relaxed into my seat at the table. Sitting in the middle of it was my beloved husband’s beret. He normally left all of his uniform items at work so it hadn’t made the rattled off list. I unlocked my phone and opened our text thread, sending him a photo of his beret.

Hubby: Oops. Grimace emoji. I just got to PT. I’ll run back afterwards to grab it. And a shower. And a kiss.

I smiled and double tapped to send a heart reaction to his message.

“Mommy?!” Claire hollered for me from the top of the stairs. I set down my coffee mug. At least I’d gotten a few sips uninterrupted.

Kevin

As expected, the day had gotten hot fast. This morning’s workout had left me exhausted. I moved more slowly than usual as I walked toward the front of the house.

A metallic thunk split the air. Something didn’t feel right. The hair on the back of my neck raised.

“Molly!” I yelled.

I got no response.

“Claire! Keegan!” I shouted, louder this time. Nobody answered.

I ran the rest of the way to the front door, wishing it had a window instead of being solid wood. The doorknob started to turn and I stood stock-still, muscles tense.

I waited, my mind racing with possibilities and worst-case-scenarios. The door swung open. I lunged, preparing myself to adjust my tactic for whatever met me.

My frantic screams of warning turned to sounds of happy greeting as I recognized the husband, Jason.

“Jason! Why are you home?!” I wagged my tail.

Jason is also a sheepdog. Together, it’s our duty to keep Molly and the kids safe. We take our role in life seriously.