For my girl Monika

The dew on the grass was especially cold that morning. My slippers weren't enough to keep the water from soaking through my socks. I felt oddly alone. Where is that silly girl? I noticed your water was a little low, but you hadn't quite finished all of the food that I had left the night before. That was not like you at all. I yelled your name, it never took more than once for you to come. I yelled your name again, this time the fluttering of butterflies entered my stomach. I thought I heard a rustle to my left, praying that it was you before I turned my head only to be met with instant dread to see that it was only a squirrel. The sweat began to roll down my back. Did you chase a critter and get lost? Did someone take you? I began to run around looking frantically in every spot that I knew you loved. And then I caught a glimpse out of the corner of my eye. I saw your tail, but it was still. The tail that had a mind of its own stood still for the first time in ten years. I didn't think about what you might get into when I brought you from the city to the country. You were a curious soul. You thought everything was your friend or a toy. I wish I could have taught you what that rattle sound meant. Rest in Peace Monika