Friends

“Hagen,” I called out for the millionth time, “Hagen where are you?” I could barely repress a sob from escaping my throat. I felt a warm weight on my tiny shoulders. I turn to gaze into the deep brown pools that are the eyes of my father. “Katie,” he said softly, “He’s gone, he’s not coming back.” At that point hundreds of “what if’s” popped into my mind. What if he comes back and I’m not waiting for him? What if he was caught by the puppy police? What if…what if. “Dad, please. Just a little bit longer.” I begged, fresh tears beginning to pool in my eyes. He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze before grudgingly nodding his approval. As we walked around the block calling out his name and bribes of treats I remembered all the good times we had together. Taking walks around the block together, me a frightened child and he my guardian. Sitting on the front lawn, his shiny black coat soaking in the sun. I can still feel his hot breath on my face as he panted beside me. A single tear escapes from the corner of my eye as we finally reach home, an empty collar clutched in my hand. Good friends come and go but memories like those last forever.