”Oh honey” I say in my most gentle voice, crouching down as I pull Charlie into my arms. Her short arms wrap around my neck, her tear stained face hiding away against my neck. You come down the stairs, your hair made up in a neat bun, your lips softly glossed with that lipgloss I bought you last year. My gaze flicks up to yours as I’m still crouching, trying my best to console Charlie’s little sobs. Gosh, it breaks my heart seeing her like this.

Before Charlie was born, you and I had this dog named Sandy. A golden retriever with a big heart and an even bigger appetite. She loved getting treats and she kinda resembled a human, the way she kind of understood what we said or felt.

When Charlie was born, six years ago, Sandy became so protective of her little sister. Whenever Charlie had a nap in her pram, sandy laid down next to it, almost guarding Charlie from whatever could be harmful. She loved Charlie’s toddler hugs and the way she got included in tea parties and dress up.

Sandy has always been a big part of our little family. So when we had to put her down to sleep yesterday, after some time of illness, it was like our hearts got ripped out. All three of us were sobbing during the drive home from the vet. It felt awful coming home to a quiet house. No sandy rushing to the door, jumping up and waving her tail. Just silence.

Charlie has been crying the whole night. At first, she wanted to sleep in Sandy’s bed, but then she agreed to sleep in our bed instead. And she hasn’t slept in our bed since she was a toddler.

It’s currently 7 am and Charlie starts school in an hour, but she refuses to go. She’s been sobbing, burying herself under the blankets in her bed, throwing her clothes on the floor when we tried to get her dressed.

I sigh and stand up, lifting Charlie as I do so. I look at you as I stroke her back, soft sobs leaving her lips. “Maybe we should let her stay home today.. I can mail her teacher about the… circumstances..” I speak quietly to you, a silent understanding between us, that she needs time to heal from this big grief she’s experiencing.