Don’t ask me!

St. Peter stands in front of two giant golden gates.

“What is your favorite animal?” He asks. ”You get to spend eternity with one animal, now choose!”

I decry, “I can’t! Why would you do this, why would you ask me to choose only one?”

“It’s the rules.” St Peter indicates a sign on the wall next to the gate indicating that only one eternal pet friend per resident will be allowed.

“I thought they would all be here!” I wail.

Then, patiently, he explains,”It’s a final test. Just because you choose King the German Shepard or Miss Kitty the all white feline doesn’t mean they choose you.”

I’m stumped. ”It doesn’t?”

“No, it doesn’t. Maybe Miss Kitty liked your mom more? Maybe King was preferential to your father. It’s a test to see which you would choose to see if it lines up with who they would choose. Choose poorly and, well, you may not get in here at all.”

“If I don’t choose the proper pet, who also chooses me, then I may not be allowed in?” I ask.

“Yes.” he smirks.

“Don’t you think the cat might not choose the right person just because?” I query.

“Hmpf. Perhaps.” he snorts.

“And wouldn’t a dog really just be as happy with anyone?” I ponder.

“I suppose” he jeers.

“Don’t even get me started on how the fish, bunnies or guinea pig would feel.” I offer.

“It’s complicated.” he answers.

“Then, I choose to NOT choose!” I assert confidently.

St Peter pauses for a moment and then allows, “Fine. you get in.” 

The doors begin to open slowly as beautiful music streams from within.

“And, YES, they are all here.” St. Peter gestures to all the pet friends I had ever had. Even the baby possum we hung orange slices on the bushes for is there waving a it’s little paws at me joyfully.

The end.

This piece is part of #bloganuary 2024.