She Cannot Say Goodbye

by Kathy Pippig Harris

It is a comfortable little place -- their home, it is paid for, cozy, and theirs alone. Just the two of them, therein, reside... an older lady and the aging canine.

Listening to the radio, as the storm grew, tears well in her eyes, upon hearing the news. She gazes at her friend, and he regards her, too. Reporters are saying everyone must now go...she was to pack only what she needed from home.

She shakes her head and wonders, "Didn't they know that folks like her had no means to get away and no car of their own?"

But officials called to say public transport would stop by; they'd take her and her things, but her beloved friend could not ride. Tears fall as thunder and lightning rent the damp air. Her friend pads over, then leans against her, there in her chair.

Sensing her sadness, the old dog wags his tail as the wind past their porch swells to a wail he reaches up and reassuringly licks her hand, and as he has always, by her side, he will stand!

She sobs at his sweet, loyal gesture, for he does not know that on this journey, her dearest friend will not go. They had weathered life's storms and both had grown gray. She worries as they were never long, from the other, away.

She rises slowly when she hears the knock on the door, a man takes her bags, saying, "I'm sorry, ma'am, it's now or never -- we can wait no more."

When the old dog follows her, she says "No, go inside where it's safe." His expression is one of bewilderment and hurt, as rain pelts his face. When she steps into the bus, she hears him whimper and cry. She cannot turn around to him. She cannot say good-bye.

She studies the man who holds her bags, then she steps off the bus. When she reaches her friend, she says, "No future is as important as the gift that is us."She bends down and, happily crying, embraces her furry soul mate, "The worst storm ever is near, but alone, you will not have to wait."

Later, as the night explodes 'round them, and she draws him snug to her side ,he lifts his fuzzy head, stares lovingly at her and she contentedly sighs.

For on this, their last journey, the two would be together always . . .. . . now . . . and forever.



Dedicated to a future where, in a disaster,we will not be torn apart from our furry kid!
Copyright 2005 by Kathy Pippig Harris