You’ll always be my shadow

Seven years of commitment. Seven years of dealing with his shit. Seven years of waking up to the sound of his voice. Seven years of picking up after him. Seven years of cuddling and sloppy kisses.

Seven years is a long time to be in a relationship. But just the other day, we went out for a walk and since we were feeling experimental, we decided that a different trail was a good idea. Half an hour later, and three streets away from our home we stop and stare at the traffic situation in the sky. I’m amused, him not so, as myriads of birds fly in different directions, some to their homes, others in search of lost flocks.

The weather is changing, the blue sky turns gray, the wind picks up momentum as I pick up pace. Suddenly I decide to enjoy it all, the rustling, the soft pelts of raindrops, the refreshing air. So I sit on the pavement and gesture for him to come join me. Apprehensively he sits down, we watch.

In the distance the thunder starts to roar. He edges closer, he never understood the concept of thunder or crackers so I put my arms around him reassuringly while I tell him that they are wonderful things and that sometimes being scared is okay. I quickly bury my face in his neck as I feel tears prick my eyes. It’s a strange sensation as I realize how much I love him and how much I would miss him when he leaves. With grubby hands I wipe away the tears, hoping that the few people who witnessed our amorous behavior would think I was simply wiping the rain off my face.

I look at him and dare him to beat me home, he is eager. So I lengthen his leash and together we run through the storm, homeward bound.