The Silent Helper

    By Mark Eric Fairweather

    The Silent Helper cover image

    20 Jun, 2024

    a dog sitting on a rug in a room with a desk and a computer monitor on it's side, furry art, a comic book panel, Chris Ware, laurie greasley

    Rover was not just a pet. He was a silent observer, a listener. He understood the family's words, the tears, the sighs, but he couldn't speak. He wanted to help.

    a man in a suit and tie standing in a living room with a dog looking at him in the mirror, american realism, a comic book panel, Barron Storey, graphic novel

    Mr. Johnson, the father, was always stressed about work. He would often share his worries with Rover, unaware that the dog understood his every word.

    a girl sitting on a bed with a dog in front of her and a pile of books on the floor, context art, a comic book panel, Colin Middleton, comic book

    Emily, the teenager, was struggling with school and friendship. She would vent to Rover, unaware that the dog could understand her teenage angst.

    a woman sitting on a bed reading a book in a bedroom with posters on the wall behind her and a lamp on the nightstand, academic art, a comic book panel, Colin Middleton, graphic novel

    Mrs. Johnson, the mother, was trying to hold the family together. She shared her worries with Rover, unaware that the dog understood her struggles.

    a dog and a cat are sitting on a rocky shore looking at the sun over a lake and mountains, serial art, an album cover, Dan Mumford, promotional image

    One night, Rover had a dream. He could speak one sentence to one person. He was faced with a dilemma, who should he choose to help?

    a boy and a boy standing on a street with a dog looking at him and a man standing next to him, serial art, a comic book panel, Asaf Hanuka, graphic novel

    He thought about Mr. Johnson's work stress, Emily's school struggles, and Mrs. Johnson's efforts to keep the family united. The choice was hard.

    a woman standing in a room with a dog looking out the window at the city outside the window is a dresser and a dresser, private press, a comic book panel, Chris Ware, edward hopper and james gilleard

    Rover decided to help Mrs. Johnson. He believed that if she could keep the family together, the other problems would sort themselves out.

    a woman sitting on a couch next to a dog in a living room with a lamp on a table, private press, a comic book panel, Cliff Childs, cliff chiang

    He knew exactly what he wanted to say, and waited for the right moment. Rover was determined to make a difference.

    a woman sitting on a couch next to a dog in a living room with a coffee table and a lamp, serial art, a comic book panel, Frances Currey, official art

    Rover walked up to Mrs. Johnson, his eyes filled with determination. This was his moment. He looked at her intently and then, something extraordinary happened.

    a woman sitting on a couch next to a dog in a living room with a fireplace and a television, american scene painting, a comic book panel, Chris Ware, graphic novel

    Rover barked in a certain pattern, nudging her towards Mr. Johnson's study. Mrs. Johnson, puzzled, followed him.

    a man and woman standing in a room with two dogs and a man in a suit and tie and a woman in a dress, american scene painting, a comic book panel, Barron Storey, official art

    There, Rover nudged Mr. Johnson's hand onto Mrs. Johnson's. Surprised, they looked at each other, then at Rover, who wagged his tail in satisfaction.

    a man in a suit sitting next to a dog in a room with a bookcase and lamp on the table, sots art, a comic book panel, Barron Storey, official art

    That night, for the first time in a long time, they talked. Rover couldn't speak, but he had said what needed to be said. He had helped his family.