Revision: The two stood face to face

This assignment was originally an in class writing assignment where we had to start our story with, "The two stood face to face" and end with, "and then there was one." I then revised this story by adding on roughly 200 words and correcting any grammar issues I found. When I added the 200 words, I was able to create a much happier and enjoyable ending.

The two stood face to face

            The two stood face to face, separated only by the thing caged fence. Two different species were brought together by one deep and lasting eye contact that seemed to be held for a lifetime. Jake gazed at the small baby dog in its kennel. From that moment, Jake knew he had gained a life friend, and memories to never forget. At the young age of seven, a puppy was all he wanted, and he had found one.

            “This one mommy” Jake shouted at his mother who was at the other end of the pet shop. That day was the start of a new friendship, the gain of a new family member, and someone who would love Jake just as much as he loved him. After a week, the dog was finally named Rufus. Jake and Rufus grew closer than imagined or expected. Jake was tailed everywhere he went in or out of the house, with a wet nose often bumping into the back of his leg. He would slip Rufus all the snacks he wanted, which only strengthened the bond between them. Jake would also sneak Rufus all his unwanted vegetables of off his plate when his parents weren’t looking.

              At 10, Jake began to change and so did Rufus, they grew up, got bigger, but were still just as playful at heart. As Jake continued to get older, he began to spend less time at home and more at sport practices, friend’s houses, and once he was 14, girls were introduced into the mix. Rufus was left at home, lucky to have the parents home with him for even half of the day. Rufus would lay by the front door, just waiting for Jakes return so he could have his companion at his side again. Even though Jake was spending more time away, they remained best friends. Rufus was someone that was always there for Jake. Whenever he was sad or needed to tell his secrets, Rufus’ head was on his lap ready to listen. More time passed and Rufus and Jake got older. Jake seemed to disappear, and at 18, they only had so much time left, and they didn’t seem to take advantage. When Jake moved out for college, the two best friends were separated, and then there was one, left behind at home.

Rufus would pace back and forth in the house for days on end, just waiting for Jake to return, but he didn't. Rufus, now 11 years old, lost his playfulness, lost his excitement for dinner time, and most important lost his best friend. Each day now consisted of him lying on the couch for hours, only moving to get food or water. That was until one day he heard a familiar car pull into the drive way, followed by a scent he could never forget. The crisp winter air outside forced Jake to run to the door, decorated with a reef for Christmas. As he pushed open the door, his dog, his companion, his best friend was there to greet him with a wet nose and a sloppy kiss, just as Rufus had done everyday before Jake left for college. Jake grabbed Rufus’ head and pulled him back just a little, and then locked into a deep and lasting eye contact as the two stood face to face.