An Alien Feeling

Anna Stewart’s powerful short story about a woman whose dog is abducted by aliens and nobody believes her – especially her violent husband. The themes of loss, exclusion and abuse are explored in Anna Stewart’s compelling story in Scots.

It wis aboot 2a.m., long efter closing, but when Ali had stayed in toon at Ray’s again, or so he’d said, it wis because we’d argued earlier in the day. That’s when he likes a drink. I pulled my coat on and took Lugs across the road. I followed the wee path that cuts through the middle o the field towards the cliffs and headed fir the light. And that wis us: me and Lugs on oor last walk thegither. He breathed a kindo quick breath while he wis pulling at the lead, heading for this glow above the rape. And when we got closer I couldnae see properly, it wis that bright. Lugs barked and I heard a piercing sound, beyond a high note fae the sea, like a dog whistle I could hear, and my ears popped. Then Lugs pulled hard on the lead and the leather burnt my skin so I lost hud o him.