Why can't they leave me alone? I find a curb to sit on, to catch my breath and take a moment to stop crying when the dog presses his nose into my shoulder. Him at least I can hug, though I know I'll lose him too when this is done.
It's not fair. But when I try to push the dog away he growls at me and plants himself.
"Just leave me alone." I shove against his shoulder. He snaps at me and licks my cheek. "I said go." Again the defiance. This time he head butts me, hard in the chest.
"Fine." I hug my knees to me so he can't force his way into my lap, further into my heart. "Stay. I don't care."
He whines softly before one paw lifts, settles on my foot.
"I'm going alone." I snap it at him like a weapon, but I think he's ready for me.
The dog bares his teeth before tilting his head to the
