Galloping Pug Series - Ch. 2

The Force Awakens

“To be Jedi is to face the truth, and choose. Give off light, or darkness, Padawan. Be a candle, or the night.” - Master Yoda

In the cozy studio at Chartwell, Churchill, Harold, and Leonard (the galloping pug) were fully engaged in their creative pursuits. Each of them had their backs facing each other, working on painting their garden gnomes. This room was no stranger to artistic endeavors, for Churchill himself was an avid painter and a passionate enthusiast of the arts.

He sought solace in the strokes of his saber brush, finding rest from the weighty responsibilities of being a leader.

“Painting is complete as a distraction. I know of nothing which, without exhausting the body more entirely absorbs the mind.” ― Winston S. Churchill, Painting As a Pastime

Beside him, Harold and Leonard joined in on his recess, eager to share this moment of genuine expression and creativity. The trio agreed to wait until everyone had completed their gnomes before unveiling them. A sense of meditation filled the air, as they crafted their creations—a friendly competition among friends to determine whose gnome would take a place of pride in the garden.

"Pardon me, but is everyone..." Churchill began to speak, only to be interrupted by Leonard's fast but seemingly slow-motion gallop. With boundless energy, Leonard leaped, his movements lacking grace as he narrowly avoided Churchill's left shoulder, before safely landing with a resounding thud on the delicate table.

But the impact that followed resembled a kettlebell landing solidly flat on its bottom from 100ft above. Churchill's gnome was sent airborne, caught in an unintentional flight. Leonard, displaying remarkable agility, leaped towards the gnome, like an outfielder diving for a baseball during the World Series. Both Harold and Churchill, taken aback by the pug's acrobatic attempt, were ready to give him a standing applause, shocked by Leonard's display of athleticism.

Yet, despite his effort, the gnome slipped right out of the pug's clasped paws and shattered into pieces upon meeting the unforgiving hardwood floor. A collective gasp, like a disappointed baseball crowd, filled the room as the delicate creation met its untimely demise.

Churchill groaned in disappointment, muttering inaudibly, "Did you drink too much iced coffee this morning? This reminds me of when you were in your second year of schooling. I found the best 2nd-grade teacher, and you had me buy her iced coffee as a thank you during the holidays. But I think you may have been wetting your nose as you galloped it to her..." Churchill's eyes betrayed a half-smile, his tone a mixture of seriousness and amusement.

Meanwhile, Harold wiped his brow and chuckled, relieved that the subject had shifted. His gnome appeared to be something painted with the lights off and with a foot instead of a hand.

Leonard let out a woof, catching their attention. Churchill responded, "Excuse me, Leonard??The probability of you winning went from 1/3 to 1/2… or from 33.3% to 50%… Coffee consumption and quick mathematics—two traits from Ms. Scarlett Rue, one of the best second-grade inclusion teachers there is. Did I mention that I personally oversaw..." Harold swiftly cut him off, as Churchill allowed the interruption when they were at Chartwell. After all, they were friends, and Harold was not just a driver; he was a bodyguard who had time and again shielded Churchill from dark forces, both external and internal. In many ways, he possessed a sensitivity akin to “The Force” in Star Wars, perceiving events before they unfolded, ensuring Churchill's safety.

"Sir, I think we ought to get going to our meeting soon. I want to change up our route to keep the dark side guessing, to throw the tails off," Harold suggested. Churchill, somewhat reluctantly, replied, “Most prudent you are, Harold. And we will use your gnome, even if it looks like you painted it while trying to use The Force to hold your brush steady.”

Squinting, Harold asked, "What is The Force?" Churchill responded, "Oh, just this concept I am thinking of, which I believe you are on the path to mastering.”

Intrigued, Harold wondered aloud, “So I failed to use it here?”

"Harold, you tried your best," reassured Churchill. Harold picked up his gnome, studying it intently. "Do or do not, there is no try," he whispered to himself, placing the gnome back down…

“In a dark place we find ourselves, and a little more knowledge lights our way.”- Yoda

With Leonard at his side and Harold holding the gnome gently in his hand, they followed Churchill out of the studio door. However, before leaving, Harold glanced back to make sure they were not being followed.

"Keep up, Harold, will you? I don't even have my cane with me," Churchill said, peering back at them over his shoulder. Suddenly, a peculiar sight out of the corner of his eye captivated his attention. The shattered pieces of his gnome seemed to defy gravity, floating and gradually coming together. Astonished, Churchill stopped dead in his tracks, exclaiming, "Harold, Leonard, look at that! Do you see my gnome?" He rubbed his eyes and adjusted his dark tortoiseshell glasses.

Eager to find his now missing witnesses, Churchill turned 180 degrees, only to find Harold and Winston walking about ten yards ahead of him. Yet, time did not permit him to delve into the mystery, as a meeting with a significant individual awaited him. Churchill muttered to himself inaudibly, "Keep up, old boy." With that, they made their way to the front of the home, where the awaiting car stood.

Just as Harold and Churchill settled into the car, Leonard bee lined over to Churchill as he rolled down the window to receive the pug's unexpected delivery. "Ah, is this an apology letter for your gnome mishap?" Churchill chuckled, rolling back up the window. Harold started the car, and they began their journey down the road. As they ventured forth, the weather took a turn, casting a gray hue over the landscape. The wind gained strength, causing the tree branches to sway, and shadows danced in a mockingly way along the tree lines.

Curiosity rising, Churchill opened the letter, flashes of blue lightning provided just enough light for him to see the black ink. He closed his eyes momentarily, remarking, "By Jove, what are the chances?" A blend of surprise and mystery resonated in Churchill's voice as he exclaimed. As he stared stone faced at the contents of the brief letter, a smile slowly spread across his face. The letter was signed off with the words,

“Sir Winston, May The Force be with you - Scarlett Rue."

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To be continued…

Please follow Scarlett Rue, 2nd grade inclusion teacher, @Lsnow8474Rue on Twitter.
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“I teach 2nd grade inclusion in Missouri. My classroom has students with and without learning disabilities/difficulties, students with sensory needs, autism, and gifted/talented students. My classroom is a flexible environment for all students’ needs to be met academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. I do my best along with my co teacher to educate the best and brightest 2nd graders you’ll ever meet!” - Scarlett Rue