A Delusional War: BASED On True Events

By David Rusnak

Well, here it is. The book that made me a government suspect for years, caused me homelessness and endless harassment by law enforcement, the FBI, and the CIA. WORK OF FICTION BASED ON TRUE EVENTS.

Odis is a story about a dog, addiction, love and loss. It is the story of someone who lost themselves mentally and went through mental health treatment in the United States.

The story of Odis will take you from the animal shelter, cosmetology school, success, and then ultimately failure as the main character, Mark Deznick goes to hell and back.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9781312476257

Book preview

A Delusional War

By David James Rusnak

TRIGGER AND LEGAL WARNING:

Includes Adult Content. David James Rusnak IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for anything that may come into fruition due to the story he tells. Furthermore, the names, dates, and places have been edited to protect the identity of those involved. Read this again.

This book and the events the story is based on occurred in 2019, pre-pandemic. (Notice how there were no masks involved, vaccines, etc. Also, some of these events like the great locust swarm of Las Vegas in 2019 can be confirmed with a quick Google Search.)

I, David James Rusnak, have become a government suspect and have been harrassed enough over this entertaining piece of art I wrote in two months during the global pandemic. I am proud of this, and have simply decided to publish this. At the time I am typing these words, it is almost summer of 2023 and I am homeless. Thank you for supporting me, your purchase, and helping me get off the street.

If you would like more information on what a delusion is, and how real they can feel in someone’s head, feel free to reach out to a mental health professional, or simply use resources such as a search engine online or your local library.

The contents of this novel are that but a work of fiction, and should not be replicated or repeated. You have been warned. Please enjoy, grab a beer. You are going to need it.

(Any questions, class? No? Okay. Good luck. See you on the other side.)

1

The room was loud, cries of desperation for a second chance. What heartless person would do such a thing? Give a dog a home just to dump them at the shelter. Alone and afraid, peering through wire fences.

Sunlight shined through the small windows where hopeful eyes peered through the cages. Restless dogs chasing their tails, circling the enclosed area to stay busy.

A door swung open, in walked the shelter staff with two new faces, both younger men. They paced down the hallways as the dogs barked, jumped around, or simply stared. One of these dogs would leave the shelter today.

I’m looking for a certain dog I saw online, one of the young men announced, looking carefully while pacing down the hallway.

The two made their way down to the end of the hall and were caught off guard when a large white dog lunged forward at the cage door. The dog clearly didn’t like one of them, now growling and bearing a sharp set of canines.

The young man spoke again, Definitely not that one, feeling bad that the dog didn’t have a home but realizing that not every dog will be a perfect fit. He scratched his head and walked a bit further. Peering down each cell with a desperate look of hope in his eyes. Then his eyes brightened up,

There he is, this is the one I saw online, recalling the picture of a long-eared dog with a look of sadness in his eyes.

Right, the other man began, but look. He’s sick. Are you sure you want to take on that responsibility? Why don’t you get a smaller dog? The wire held a sign displaying the name and age.

Odis

3 Years Old

Sick - Kennel Cough, Ear Infection

No Jackson, this is the one, the man replied, nodding and holding eye contact with the dog in the crate. He raised his voice a few octaves Hi Odis, buddy. How are you doing today?

Odis was lying on a dog bed inside the crate and slowly lifted his head. His ears perked up and an overwhelming feeling of empathy and compassion for the poor animal swept over the man.

Jackson sighed and replied, okay. Well, go grab the lady and we will look at him.

The two approached the lady who walked them into the room.

All set Jackson and Mark? She smiled at the two, hopefully awaiting a response that would include walking out with a dog today. The shelter was sizable, and the yard where the dogs were let out to play was even bigger. However, at this time of year business had been slower and the shelter couldn’t hold onto every dog there forever.

Mark nodded, yes, we want to look at Odis. He smiled as he imagined what wonderful things and places he would go with the dog. Utah was the perfect place to go on hikes, plenty of hills and mountains to climb. The two stepped out of the kennel room and into an isolated enclosed area used to meet with the dogs before adoption.

Mark went into the shelter with the intention on looking for Odis, even though he told Jackson he would be looking for a smaller dog that doesn’t shed. Perhaps a dog who was older to give him a great last few years.

The lady walked into the enclosed space, bringing Odis along with her. Odis kept his head close to the ground and slowly walked closer to the two young men.

Mark began to stroke the dog; clumps of hair fell off the bluetick coonhound’s back. Does he usually shed like this? Feeling sorry for the dog but remembering that Jackson was a clean freak and wouldn’t like being covered in dog hair.

It’s possible, she replied, however it is most likely due to stress from being in the shelter.

The dog coughed, the drool dangling from his mouth slapping the floor. The dog peered at the two through sad eyes, clearly heartbroken he ended up in this situation to begin with. His long ears sagged to the floor in a melancholy manner. It wasn’t long before there was more drool, slowly dripping onto the floor.

Jackson looked into Mark’s eyes. Are you sure you want this dog? We can go look at others.

Mark listened to his partner, realizing that having a dog is going to change the way he lived his life. But it was worth it, he needed something to fill the empty void he was feeling. The repetitive nature of his job and the two college courses he was taking was getting to him. Having a dog would surely give him the responsibility he needed to live a more productive life. This was the fix.

Yes, I’m sure. We’ll go with Odis today, Jackson announced. The couple left the meet and greet area and walked into the lobby.

The receptionist handed over a clipboard with the adoption paperwork. Odis was brought around behind the desk to be prepared for discharge. The receptionist tied anchored his leash to the wall.

Mark sat down and filled out the paperwork. He felt an overwhelming feeling of hope and excitement. Hope that this dog would bring happiness to his life. Hope that this privilege of owning a dog will bring light to his mundane life. Hope was a wonderful thing to have in this moment.

You leaving us now Odis? The receptionist asked across the room.

Odis stood in the hall, still mounted to the wall. The dog stretched and yawned, then proceeded to lift his leg and urinated on the wall. At this very moment Mark stopped and thought to himself, this dog is going to be a challenge, acknowledging the fact that the previous owner didn’t do such a good job of potty training him. He knew that adopting Odis was going to come with its own set of challenges. Growing up, Mark’s parents adopted plenty of dogs from shelters. Because of this, Mark reassured himself, but he will be worth it.

Jackson sat next to Mark, watching him hastily fill out paperwork. He began to wonder why Mark had chosen such a sad looking dog but realized that having a dog might be good for his partner. He thought it would be best not to question it and kept his mouth shut. Jackson knew that when Mark wanted something, and was dead set on it, he got it in some way. It was best not to stir the pot; this was supposed to be a happy day.

The two walked out, saying their goodbyes to the receptionist who was now cleaning Odis’ mess off the floor. The sunlight pierced through the glass door as Jackson pushed it open. It was starting to cool down in their little Utah mountain town, the summers were mild and the winter came fast shortly after to bury the happy sunny memories in piles of snow.

Mark unlocked his blue hatchback and opened the door to the backseat. Come on Odis, let’s take you to your new home.

Odis glanced at the inside of the vehicle and then hung his head lower to the ground.

I think he’s scared, Jackson added, glancing at the coonhound, who was now sniffing the ground of the dirt parking lot.

He might be, Mark began with a sense of empathy in his voice, come here Odis. He pulled the leash closer to the car door and lifted the 70-pound dog onto the car seat.

The two entered the vehicle and Mark started the car. Mark spun around you ready to go home Odis?

Odis sat quietly staring back at him, drool beginning to pool on the car seat. Mark started the car and drove off, playing a summer rock song with the windows rolled down.

2

Odis began panting in the back seat, the dog appearing to be overjoyed but continuing to drool. Jackson turned to look at his partner’s brown eyes, which were locked on the road. They were full of life and hope, something he hadn’t seen in him for some time.

Mark had been working at a chain sandwich shop, putting in overtime while taking online classes. He didn’t understand college or why people decided it was necessary, often thinking about dropping out and pursuing a trade of some sort. Going on nineteen, he was desperately trying to find an alternative to the traditional route. He sometimes wondered if working his way up in the company would be a more productive and realistic idea for him. Wrestling with the idea, Mark knew he wouldn’t be happy working there forever, no matter how many good-looking guys would leave him his number on a napkin.

I’m hungry, Jackson complained, Mark recognizing the frustration in his voice. This struck a nerve in Mark, who was still focused on the road.

Why didn’t you eat earlier? Mark replied, his eyes rolling off the road for a moment.

Jackson stayed silent; he figured some things were better left unsaid.

The two were lost in the music for quite some time on the way home, Mark spinning around to face Odis at every red light, reassuring the dog that he would love his new home. Mark recalled the night he moved into his apartment in Utah. His father had been there, helping him shop for furniture and to get ready for college. The town’s university had a strong sense of school spirit, students all around town wearing t-shirts with the university logo. Mark felt like he didn’t fit in very much at his college. He wasn’t excited about going and had no idea what he wanted to do with his life. Everyone always asked him what his major was and what classes he was taking. Everyone always knew what was best for him, it seemed.

Mark pulled into the parking lot of the local pet store. The two exited the vehicle with Odis, who was eager to feel the ground on his paws again.

He drooled a lot on the way here, Jackson complained.

That’s alright, he might be carsick. You okay baby? Mark patted Odis on the head and attached a small leash to Odis’ collar, which was provided by the shelter.

The three walked into the pet store and began looking for food. It was at this very moment that Mark had the thought, what did I just do? A sense of fear and slight regret swept over him as Odis began to pull the leash harder. Mark resisted the dog while trying to calm himself down. There had to be a way to rationalize waking up one day and deciding to adopt a dog. He then recalled his father’s words on the phone, having a dog changes your life Mark, remember that.

Mark continued to struggle with his dog, who had just lifted his leg and urinated in the middle of the aisle. This isn’t working. Can you take him outside please? I have to clean this mess up and get everything we need.

Yes I can, but I’m hungry. Jackson was beginning to become short with his partner.

I can pick you up some bones too. Mark replied with a smirk.

After the two were done bickering, Jackson took Odis outside to walk around. The grass shined in the sunlight as a set of paws traversed across. It was bright outside today, the breath of the wind cooling Jackson’s olive-toned skin.

Odis began to sniff around as Jackson thought to himself. Why did he think this was a good idea? Having a dog is only going to add to his mess. The dog continued to sniff, marking his territory and then kicking up grass. This caught Jackson by surprise, he giggled at the sight and let go of this thought.

It wasn’t long before Mark walked out of the store, pushing a shopping cart full of pet supplies. Included was a dog bed, a red harness, dog bowls, dry dog food, toys, and treats.

Jackson laughed, you are already in love with this dog, aren’t you?

I just want to make sure I’m getting everything, Mark replied. He unlocked the hatchback, swinging the trunk door open, and began loading the supplies into the car. There was an excessive amount of dog treats in the shopping cart, Jackson thought.

When the two got home it was time to set up the dog’s living space. Mark placed a king size dog bed in the kitchen and called the coonhound over.

Come here Odis, come lay on your new bed! Mark exclaimed at the dog, slapping the bed to invite the dog over.

Odis stared blankly back at the human, showing no signs of excitement.

Mark began once more, Are you hungry? Mark immediately opened the bag of dry dog food and poured it into one of the silver dog bowls he bought earlier.

Odis perked his ears up and cocked his head to the side, watching his new owner fill the bowl. The scent of the food crawled up the canine’s nose and lured him over. Odis sniffed the food for a good minute, glancing up at Mark and Jackson for approval.

You can eat it, it’s okay baby. Mark reassured the nervous dog. Poor thing, his previous owner must have been abusive. He picked up a single pellet of food and held it out to the coonhound’s nose. Here ya go buddy. It’s tasty, try it!

Odis’ lip curled up as if he was about to open his mouth. The dog’s lips trembled, as if he wanted to eat but didn’t allow himself to.

Mark sighed, dropping the pellet back into the bowl. He grabbed the other silver dog bowl and filled it with cold tap water. This caught the attention of Odis, who began walking towards Mark to accept the offering.

Odis began to quench his thirst, lapping up copious amounts of water.

As the water splashed, Jackson gazed at the two. He felt a sense of relief that this situation panned out the way it did. He could’ve done a lot better, Jackson thought. But at least the dog isn’t running around the apartment and tearing furniture apart. Jackson thought about the good that would come out of this situation, rather than focusing on the fact that the situation was completely spontaneous. Mark always had that nature about himself, one of the very reasons Jackson fell in love with him.

Jackson recalled the night he decided to go to that sandwich shop in town. He was out with his friends when they decided to stop to eat. He remembered being greeted by an employee with longer, deep blue skater-punk hair behind the counter.

Welcome to SubStation, what can I get started for you? The employee asked, whipping a sheet of deli paper onto the sandwich production line. His hat displayed a nametag that read Subs by: Mark.

Jackson peered into the eyes of the young man, can I have an extra minute? A quiver in his voice as he asked the question. The two girls he was with stared up at the menu.

Mark stood behind the counter and waited. He always wondered why customers looked at the menu like it was a spaceship, gazing with wide eyes and a half open jaw.

After the group of friends ordered they sat in a booth.

So, Jackson began. His two female friends, Jane and Mandy, leaned in closer with curiosity. I think I’m going to leave my number for that guy.

No way! Jane exclaimed with her mouth full.

That is so not like you Jackson, what’s in that sandwich? Mandy asked, giggling. Her glasses bounced on her face as she chewed her sandwich.

The group of friends sat and plotted how they would pull off the stunt and finished their meals. The kid behind the counter was out of sight, most likely doing busy work prepping vegetables.

Well Jackson, Mandy began, wiping the corners of her mouth with a napkin, if you’re serious about this, here’s a pen. She reached into her purse and handed the pen to Jackson, who quickly presented a deer-in-the-headlights look.

Jackson grabbed the pen and an extra napkin from his dine-in tray. He began scribbling on the napkin:

Hey, you seem really chill.

Let’s hang out sometime?

555-4729

-Jackson

Jackson snapped back into reality as the beloved memories began to wash away from his thoughts. He was reminded by