I saw your suitcase and I know what that means.  I wagged my tail and tried to ask you to take me with you, but you left without me.  You closed the door and you locked it behind you.  I stood in the middle of the room for a while, then I walked over to the window and looked out. Your car was gone.

I waited for you all day.  Then I heard the lock turn and the door opened!  But it wasn’t you, it was your friend.  She is very nice and she let me out and gave me a treat, she even petted me, but then she had to leave.  So I waited for you again.  I concentrated on the door, thinking maybe you would hear my thoughts, wherever you were, and come back home.  But that night, your friend came back instead.  She gave me my dinner and she stayed with me all night.  I thought that was very nice of her.  The next day she left again and I resumed my job of waiting for you.  I may have slept a little now and then.  I am very old now and I must sleep.  When I woke up, you still weren’t there.  I worried.  Maybe I missed you?  Maybe you came home while I was asleep?  I must do a better job and wait for you better so that I will know if you come home.

It’s been many days now and your friend comes and stays with me every night.  She talks to me and I try to tell her that as nice as she is, I just want you to come home.  I am worried about you now.  Are you alright?  Did you forget about me?  Do you not love me anymore?  I love you so much.

A whole week has passed and it is very late at night.  Even your friend isn’t with me tonight, she came, but then she left.  I am alone in the house and I am so very sad.  I try not to think about giving up hope that you will come home.  But it’s been such a long time.  I miss you so much.  Will I ever see you again?

Then I hear the key turn in the lock and the door opens.  I hear your voice.  Am I dreaming?  No.  It’s really you!  I may not be saying anything you can understand, but in my own way I am yelling at the top of my lungs!  You came home!  You didn’t forget me!  You still love me!  I will take better care of you, I promise, and you will never leave me again.  I lick you to hope you understand what I am saying.  I run in circles on my old legs and rub my soft fur against you.  I lift my head so that you can pet me.  I am so happy!  So happy!

With your help, I climb up the stairs and I lie down next to your bed.  I won’t close my eyes.  I will make sure you don’t leave again.  But I am old, and my eyes close and sleep takes over.  In the morning, I awaken and fear grips my heart.  I lift my head so that I can check to see if you are still in bed and I breathe a sigh of relief.  I lie down again and resume my watch.  You will never leave me again.

http://www.theresadodaro.com   Author of The Tin Box Trilogy