3 and a half years. 3 and a half years that you had your dog. a beautiful golden retriever and german shepherd mix with brown eyes like honey and always smiling. ears the color of a gingerbread cracker and a white marking like a cross on her chest.

she was the sweetest dog alive. Maple was her name, but she had a nickname: Happy Dog since she was always…happy. she greeted you everytime you came into the door, always pushed her head into your hand for attention, always accompanied you whenever she could.

Maple had taken an immediate liking to Cardan when she met him a year ago. In fact, you and Cardan were planning on getting her Easter themed treats for her Easter basket and even planning for her birthday gifts in August.

Instead of driving home today, your father picked you up from your temporary job to bring you home. it was the first week of summer and you and Cardan had both come to your parents to stay. it was unsettling, really, for your dad to pick you up and stay quiet on the way home.

when he pulled into park, he paused. “we need to talk.” looking over at him, she raised a brow. then he dropped the news

“We lost Maple today.” you thought he was joking until his voice cracked “she was hit-“ and there came the waterfalls from you. squatting down by the truck, you pressed your hand to your mouth and sobbed while tears streamed uncontrollably

Cardan had come out to greet you, having been told the news about half an hour ago. his eyes were puffy, and when he saw you, he kneeled down and placed his hand on your back. “im so sorry, babygirl.”

angry, you denied it. torn, you accepted it. you leaned your head toward Cardan, not even noticing when your dad came to kneel beside you both, trying not to cry out loud

your dad spoke first “i didn’t want to tell you at your job or in the truck.” Cardan leaned over and kissed the back of your head

“i only just found out. i’m so sorry.”