Courier's Panic

Courier’s Panic
By Michael K. Lowery
Calvin knew he was lost when he turned the corner of 5th Street and Howling Prince Lane. The dog courier put a paw to his face then patted his uniform shirt and trousers. He took a breath and squeezed the straps of the courier backpack he carried upon his back. Nervousness shone upon his furry face and his dark eyes darted about.
“Milk bones!” he cried. “First delivery and first day, and I can’t find my destination.”
Calvin turned about on the sidewalk as the other dogs, cats, foxes, and wolves in everyday apparel walked around him. Some chuckled, and others snickered. Seeing a courier confused and lost was not uncommon, a beginner courier anyway. Calvin ignored the looks, snickers, and laughs. Digging one paw into one of his trouser pockets, he pulled out the delivery note his supervisor had given him.
ATTENTION: CALVIN FABBER
Deliver package of wood carving tools to the address below. Take your time. Be safe and cautious. Present the package to customer and request signature. Collect payment and return to office.
DELIVERY ADDRESS:
71 Gold Tea Ave, Railway City, Blue Land
Customer: Dominik Penzer
Sincerely,
Adrian Valeska, Supervisor
“I can do this,” Calvin said aloud. “It is my first day, but I will get there and finish the job.”
Calvin was about to walk on when he felt a paw on his shoulder. A lynx woman stood behind him. She wore a blouse, skirt, and shiny hoops in her ears. She gave him a warm smile.
“Hi there, courier,” she purred. “Do you know any good cafes to eat at? The one I usually go to is closed.”
“Uh…cafes?”
“Yes, cafes. Places where you sit, eat, drink, and talk.”
“Oh.” Calvin sniffed. “I’d recommend The Hunter Café or Betty’s Bonaza. Either place has great food and drinks and music.”
The lynx nodded. “Excellent. I’ll check them out. Good luck on your delivery!”
“Thanks.”
With a nod, Calvin continued his search for the address. He traveled down side streets and roads alike. Turning his head about, he searched the great city. He checked each block for the house and its number. But he kept losing his way.
Calvin refused to quit though. He kept searching. Determination and duty drove him. As the day wore on, the sun shone upon the city’s tall towers, offices, houses, and streets. While Calvin aimed for his destination, he became worried.
Please, I gotta find this house, the dog courier whined. Why is it so hard? This city of mine is so huge! I can’t blow this. This job is my second job in 10 months.
Calvin eventually sat down on a bench in front of a clothing store. He put his furry head in his paws. His floppy ears quivered. His lean body shuddered with despair. Finding the customer was supposed to be easy, and he was making no progress.
“Why can’t I find Dominik Penzer or 71 Gold Tea Ave?” Calvin said aloud to himself. “Why?”
“Dominik Penzer?” A gruff voice said. “Who’s looking for me?”
Calvin’s eyes widened. He nearly fell over as he whirled around the bench. His gaze rested on a coyote dressed in a black shirt, cargo pants, and a sporty wrist watch. The coyote looked at Calvin with a wary, yellow’ eyed gaze.
“A-Are you Mr. Penzer?” Calvin stammered.
“Heck yeah I am. Who the wish bone wants to know?”
Calvin stood upright, tail wagging. His ears perked an inch. “Calvin Fabber, sir. I’m from Swift Paw Express with your package. My boss Mr. Valeska sent me.”
The coyote laughed. Dominik ran a claw along his muzzle. “Mr. Valenska huh? That sly dog. I did order wood carving tools; he sent you to bring them to my home, eh?”
“Yes sir. But I couldn’t find it. My first day on the job.”
Dominik shook his head and laughed. “Don’t sweat it, kid. I wasn’t going to be home for another hour. I’m running some errands now. Good thing I found you.”
Calvin stifled a chuckle. “Agreed.”
Taking off his backpack, the dog courier opened it. He rummaged through it. Gently, he removed a clipboard with a document, the receipt, and a wooden box with the carving tools inside, sealed and secured.
Calvin offered the clipboard to Dominik and gave the coyote a pen. Minutes passed. Clavin looked over the delivery receipt and made sure all boxes and lines were signed and dated. He smiled and gave Dominik the box of wood carving tools. In return, Dominik gave Calvin a payment of 30 dollars.
“Remember to call before you go looking for a customer, kid,” Dominik said. “It’ll save you the headache. We have telephones in this day and age.”
Calvin nodded. “Yes sir. So, what will you make with the tools?”
“Shelves, signs, canes – those things. But it’s a hobby of mine, not a career or business.”
“That’s good.”
“See ya around, kid.”
Before Calvin could say another word, Dominik walked away carrying his package. He was steady and smooth. Calvin watched the coyote walk away, feeling relief that he had found the customer. From then on, he knew would learn how to navigate and think on his feet. He smiled to himself before returning to his workplace.