The Showdown at Oh-Kid Corral

The gleam in his eye is such that you'd think the sun was reflecting in it.  I can see the steady resolve.  Slowly, methodically, purposefully he moves closer.

Like an animal backed into a corner I realize I must match this intensity if I hope to come out of it unscathed.  I stand to my feet, slowly without lowering my gaze.  I must not look away.  Keep it together!  I raise my trembling hand to my forehead and wipe my brow.  I feel the chill crawl down my spine.  This is it.  Steady now.

He paces cautiously in a circle, never looking away.

Fresh beads of sweat introduce themselves to the back of my neck causing a shiver I refuse to allow.  I match his gaze, I stay the same distance from him, pacing opposite him awaiting his move, ready to counter.  Then I see it.

He stands up straight, plants his feet firmly beneath him and I swear I see a small curl on his upper lip.

I crouch further to strengthen my stance.  Here it comes.  I fight the urge to close my eyes while dropping to a fetal position on the floor.  Stay strong.  You can do this.  

The neighbor's dog starts to howl as he hears the most shrill, inhuman-like, chilling wail ever followed instantly by a blunt thud.  I dive in, grabbing him by his waist, fighting what I would swear was an octopus, arms and legs everywhere.  Twisting, turning, twirling.  I hold on trying to sustain minimal damage.  All at once I snatch him up and run.

He swings wildly like a caged animal hitting me square in the nose.  He wants blood.  Another blow to the knee.

Limping and bleeding I maintain.  I must complete the task or no one will be safe!  Finally I see it, its right in front of me.  Almost there.  I plant this little ball of fury firmly behind the baby gate to his room for a nice long time out!  With an almost unseen smirk in the corner of my mouth I wipe my hands together and walk off.  Victoriously ending the temper tantrum from my 3-year-old!

I'm convinced moms should have military-issued body armor for moments like this...