Me, Cherry

I think about her most of the time now. Her name is always on my tongue. Lucy, who never forgot to take me out for walks. Lucy, who always made me have my meals on time. Lucy, my beloved owner, and best friend. All that is in the past now.

I am Cherry, a Labrador Retriever. Abandoned by my mother when I was just a pup, I was taken in by 6-year-old Lucy. The time I spent with Lucy was the happiest of my life. For her, the first thing in the morning was me and the last thing at night was me, too. We were the best of friends. She insisted I go to school with her, but pets weren't allowed in school. I remember how she threw a tantrum once overtaking me to school. She cried herself sick and was finally allowed to stay at home with me. Weekends with her were the best. Sometimes we used to go out with Lucy's parents in the car, sometimes it was only Lucy and me. All that is in the past now.

Lucy was growing up quickly. In a matter of time, she was in high school. Her time with me grew limited. She hardly had any free time. It was always some homework, some classmate coming over, examinations, sleepovers, etc. I was growing old. And then finally, she gave me away. To some association for old dogs. It is where I am now, talking to you. It is where I have been for a month, waiting for the day my life ends. I still remember Lucy's last words to me - "It is for your own good, Cherry". Perhaps it was.

My breaths are becoming shallow. "Lucy", I mutter. I want her to be the last person I think of in this birth. And finally, I close my eyes, never to open them again.

My whole life is in the past now.