380 Words, short SFW introduction

In the town where I live, there's a steady flow of discarded electronics, niche movie props and various failed gadgets. As a tinkerer, it's nice to take a browse every so often and walk away with arms full of cool-looking half-working gadgets, handy for decoration, resale online or just fancy paperweights if completely non-functional.

Another weekend, finishing my round trip at a shop at the outskirts of town, closest to the dump, I'd find the odd gem from time to time here. It was slim-pickings elsewhere today, so I had my doubts I'd find anything too interesting here either.

Scavenging around, shuffling objects scattered in the electronics bin, I spotted some black boxy thing buried deep, I cleared the way and reached in to retrieve it. Inspecting it closer; it was a firm rubber cube with polished metal plates with lights on each side; no larger than a regular puzzle toy; It felt sturdy in my hand, although with no knowledge of what it was, I couldn't tell if it was dead or not, despite slight wear, it seemed in good condition, so I weighed it in and took it home.

As soon as I got in, sorted and settled, I fiddled more with the perplexing little padded cube, shaking it to hear any loose electronics, but it held solid, nothing seemed to make it want to light up either. I picked up a flathead screwdriver and began carefully prying at a seam, trying to not scar the rubber, it slid in and started to part a little.

In an instant, a bright beam of light knocks me to the floor, like lightning, it takes me a moment to reach for my goggles, but I struggle to grab them, my hands have no thumbs.

What?!

I glance down at my sprawled body, a sudden shock hits me as I feel a huge disconnect, I;m four legged? I take a deep breath struggling to comprehend what just happened.

That box changed me, hopefully it’s not shorted, I can’t stay like this.

I slip my goggles back on with great difficulty, struggling to stand with my new stature, I reach up to the table, I try to grab the flathead screwdriver to no avail, I’m gonna need some assistance.

To be continued...