English assignment (04/28/2020)
Based on the following image: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/learning/looking-back.html
Some days, Elizabeth wondered what would happen if she took Target or Caramel or Brittle out for a walk. As she passed the brush through Target’s black-and-orange mane, Elizabeth smiled sardonically as she imagined trying to put a leash onto them. The echobis were big, the size of horses, and while they had been trained to be put into a harness or a saddle, a leash was simply a bad idea.
Imagine this: you walk down the street, minding your own business, maybe thinking about going into a shop or talking with a friend, when you see someone trying to drag a doglike creature the size of a horse away from a particular tree. And the doglike creature is winning, of course, because it’s been trained to run and jump and be athletic and no one could match its strength. And oops, the spines on its tail are gouging lines into the bark or the building and now the person trying to hold onto the creature is obviously embarrassed at having caused a scene and everyone around them is getting more upset because what idiot brings an echobi into a crowded public area like that…
Elizabeth greatly preferred her ranch. Fewer people—just her, her family, and the few hires that worked with the animals or on other things—and more open space.
“I’m sure that you’d be a good girl,” crooned Elizabeth as she patted Target on her left flank. “You always are.” Target gave a low growl-bark, as though in agreement. She rolled over onto her back and waved her legs in the air. Elizabeth raised her eyebrows. “I just got done with grooming you. I think you’ve had enough pampering for today.” A disappointed huff. “Maybe I’ll train you to use the brushes yourself. Save myself the time and money.” A curious whine. “I really don’t know why I haven’t done it yet. You certainly seem smart enough.” An amused noise.
Elizabeth stood up and Target rolled onto her stomach, before getting up and nuzzling her owner. “Don’t tell this to anyone,” Elizabeth murmured, “but you’re my favorite.” Target’s dark purple eyes shone with mischief. Well of course I am, they seemed to say. Elizabeth wasn’t sure what else the echobi would say. Maybe something about being the smartest or the cuddliest or the prettiest. She would only go so far in anthropomorphizing the echobi. Even if suddenly gaining sapience had…precedent.
“I really have to go now,” Elizabeth said apologetically. Target barked once. Elizabeth chose to take it as a goodbye.