9yo Jenny Dog -

Spark thumped his tail once. Thump.

Spark blinked. He did remember. He remembered the tiny, wobbly human who smelled like milk and baby powder. He had decided, on her first day home, that he would protect her forever. He had kept that promise every single day since.

One windy afternoon, Jenny sat under the oak tree. The yellow flowers had grown tall. She traced her fingers over the small wooden cross her father had made. 9yo jenny dog

In the morning, Spark didn’t wake up.

And for a moment, she heard a tail thump. Spark thumped his tail once

Just once.

Spark lifted his heavy head and licked the tears off her cheek. His tongue was soft, gentle, just like it had always been. He did remember

She turned and wrapped her arms around Spark’s neck. He smelled like sunshine and old leaves. “You’re the best dog in the whole world,” she whispered into his fur. “And when you can’t walk anymore, I’ll carry you. And when you can’t see anymore, I’ll be your eyes. And when you have to go…” Her voice cracked. “I’ll remember you forever.”

Thump.

Jenny smiled. She leaned back against the tree and closed her eyes.