The Forest

A Shih Tzu and a Belgian shepherd met by the old water pump at the top of Holly Tree Lane. Both feigned an interest in other things for several moments but were, in due course, witnessed discussing the following matter:

‘Have we met before?’ said the Shih Tzu. 

‘Once maybe. Another place, another time. Who knows. Are you new here?’

‘Possibly.’ 

The two dogs regarded each other with a delicate twist of misgiving. 

‘There are many places. Some of them near here. Others not so much.’ 

‘That much is true.’

‘Did you say that or did I?’ asked the Shih Tzu. 

‘Say what?’

‘Nevermind.’ 

‘Is everything all right? You seem like you … you seem a little …’

‘Yes, I am in that state of mind. But there have been reports, and measures have been taken. Some have even seen things.’ 

‘What things?’

‘Things that make you doubt the things you have seen.’

‘That must be bad.’

‘I’ll say.’ 

‘Very bad.’ 

‘Russians were involved.’ 

The Belgian Shepherd was not sure what to make of this information. 

 ‘And an unusual pair of trousers.’ 

‘Here?’

‘Or somewhere very near here. Who can say. Naturally it has caused some alarm.’ 

‘Naturally.’ 

‘I hear that some are not sleeping. The fear is acute.’

‘I can only imagine. I have never seen a pair of Russian trousers.’ 

‘Let’s hope it stays that way.’ 

No more was said but similar reports and rumours have been heard about the land. It is even believed that secret police and spymasters are at work, but their furtive means are scarcely detectable.