Laika Lives

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