Friends

Written for https://fivedotoh.com/2023/08/03/fowc-with-fandango-stalwart/

Her stalwart friend, who never left her side, no matter what.

Four paws instead of feet, his big wet kiss first thing in the morning made her smile. There were days when she didn’t want to drag her body out of bed in the morning, when the dark clouds loomed so large, the sun couldn’t find a way through the barricade.

He wouldn’t let her stop, or let the depression sink in further.

‘Alright, I’m getting up,’ she said.

A lead almost thrown at her, she clipped it on to his collar. This time of day was her favourite. There was a damp, fresh aroma from the flowers, the cheery hello of the milkman. A few pensioners down her road always preferred bottles to going to the supermarket.

At the park, she took off his lead. Throwing his ball for him to catch. A fun game, which didn’t take much effort on her part. It was the least she could do for his loyalty. Better than most people. After a long day at work, seeing his face, hearing his excited yelps, she smiled and there was a lightness to her stomach she couldn’t explain.

It was going to be another long day, but at least her friend would be there when she got back.