Translating ‘benedict arnold’
Chapter 15
What if your bestie aligns with your other bestie? And her coat turns ‘turns coat.’
Upon returning from an out-of-town trip, Tom was eager to reunite with his long-time Colombiana girlfriend, Cloretta, and his beloved Chihuahua, Twinkles. He trusted Cloretta to care for Twinkles while he was away, and he had missed their company immensely, expected a warm and affectionate reunion.
However, Twinkles had other plans. She always had a strong bond with Cloretta but it got galvinized during Tom's absence. She yearned for the companionship of her female friend, the ‘one-owner dog’ loyalty seemed to have shifted.
Unsurprisingly Tom tried to snuggle with both of his girls. Surprisingly, Twinkles took umbrage and attempted to bite her master, the one that rescued her from pure misery. Could this be a clear display of her newfound allegiance to Cloretta?
The connection between ‘boy and his dog’ seemingly had changed in Tom's absence, and he found himself in a situation he hadn't anticipated. It was a reminder that relationships, whether with humans or pets, could be complex and subject to shifts over time.
As he navigated this unexpected twist, he realized that patience and understanding would be key to reestablishing his connection with Twinkles, who had clearly formed a strong bond with her caretaker in his absence.
He felt no ill will towards Cloretta, rather took a step back. Contemplated, could this be an opportunity to make their collective bond even stronger. But still furious, feeling betrayal by his loyal dog Tom couldn't contain his frustration.
“Twinkles, your new name is Benedict Arnold!”
He declared Twinkles to be the dog equivalent of American culture’s ultimate villain.
Tom couldn’t give the expansive details to his Colombiana that Benedict Arnold was an American military general during the American Revolutionary War. He was originally a dedicated patriot, fighting for the American cause against the British. However, he later betrayed the American forces by switching his allegiance to the British army. This act of treason made Benedict Arnold forever synonymous with betrayal and disloyalty in American history.
A simpler translation was required. In tough spots best to not react. Rather buy some time, gather yourself and have confidence you will get it right.
Tom stroked his chin, twirled his glasses (buying time) turned in direction of Hermana Colombiana and said in Spanish, “Benedict Arnold, thought they were your friend, turns out they weren’t.”
She replied, “Ah si, Twinkle esta ‘Benedict Arnold.”
Colombiana didn’t use ‘es,’ which is permanent. Because Twinkles ‘acting’ like a traitor doesn’t mean she is traitor for life.
Clo realized Tom’s American lingo was a fitting way to express his feelings of momentary betrayal, even if the historical context might have been unfamiliar to her. As Tom tried to mend the relationship with Twinkles, he hoped that the term would convey the depth of his disappointment and the magnitude of the dog's unexpected change in loyalty.
Tom was in awe of Colombiana’s ability to understand the ‘Benedict Arnold’ metaphor? “Hey, Clo how did you do it?”
En Espanol, she said, “I simply understood the context. Just listen for some keywords, and use logic to construct it from there. You darn Americans verbiage loaded with metaphors and historical references. They create general confusion amongst both dogs and Colombianas alike, jajaja”
Her ‘Disney Mom’ duty complete Cloretta laughed, “I love you both. Gotta catch the bus back home. You guys go your parque, all will be forgiven.” Colombiana knew not to trespass on boy and his dog’s ‘sacred space.’ On their walk, Twinkles said, “Ya Dad, she’s observant, rapid learner, quick thinker just like us.”
“You two are both blessings and I wouldn’t trade you two for all the tea in China.”
Tom realized he fell back to the American metaphors, “Or all the coffee in Colombia, jajaja!"
As Tom and Twinkles embarked on what seemed like a reconciliatory walk after her Benedict Arnold episode, little did the tiny dog know that their destination was the vet. The unsuspecting Chihuahua wagged her tail, blissfully unaware of the impending visit.
Twinkles had the awareness to realize this was not routine.
“Hey Dad, we’re not walking back to the apartment. Why? Uh oh.”
Upon reaching the veterinary clinic, the atmosphere shifted. Twinkles, sensing that something was amiss, looked up at Tom with pleading eyes, as if to say, "Save me from this ordeal." Her trust in Tom was momentarily shattered, replaced by a sense of vulnerability.
As the thermometer was jabbed into her culo, Twinkles' discomfort was palpable. In a surprising turn of events, Tom, recalling her earlier antics, couldn't help but find humor in her misery.
“Remember what you did to me, Benedickta. And this vet trip was necessary. Not my fault Colombian vets are thorough, jajaja.”
He laughed, not out of cruelty, but perhaps as a way to lighten the mood and share a moment of levity amid the tension.
Tom's laughter, however, didn't go unnoticed by Twinkles, who shot him a disapproving look. It was a quirky moment in their relationship, a blend of mischievousness and the inevitable discomfort that comes with a visit to the vet. Little did Twinkles know that, despite the laughter, Tom was there to ensure her well-being, even if it meant enduring a less-than-pleasant experience at the vet's office.
After a tumultuous day, on the way back to home they reprised their park visit. All is good with boy and his dog.
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”