Jake’s eyes snap open, and he quickly turns to the side. But like his achingheart, the spot where Max always sat on the couch remains empty. He takes in along, deep breath – really more of a sigh – and squeezes his eyes closed,
I hope that by sleeping into the darkness of a nap, I will temporarily mask my sorrow.
For fifteen years they were inseparable. Always side by side. The walks onthe beach with the gentle waves calling, the seagulls cawing. All those hikes onthe trail and even just a ride to the grocery store for something Martha may have forgotten.
Though he knows that in some ways he should be thankful for just having their time together – those moments forever etched in his heart. Somehow, he is missing years that could have been.
The sickness took Max quickly rather than dragging out the pain for weeks, maybe even months
It seems to waitpatiently, ever ready for that next big adventure.
Unable to sleep, he looks around the all too empty room, letting his gaze fallupon the leash, which still hangs from the peg by the door.
I thought you might be here. I miss him too, Jake. More than you'll ever know.