We'll Be Okay

"It's time to go."

Those were the first words I heard when I woke up this morning. I lifted my head to check on my person, but she was fast asleep, one hand resting on my back while the other hugged the pillow.

"Maverick. It's time to go." The words echoed again, louder this time. I glanced around the room, but no one was there. I could hear the voice, though. Those same words repeated over and over until I finally realized what was happening.

I don't have much time left.

Slowly, I got up, careful not to wake my girl, and hopped off the bed to do my morning sweep.

Always make sure she is safe.

That is all that matters.

Finding no danger, I walked back to my person, resting my head on the edge of her bed like I do every morning, waiting for her to wake up. Remembering the day I met her, when she had come to my family's farm. My siblings and I were running around aimlessly, my birth mom watching us. She had told us what would happen. We would each be chosen to go to a different family. Our job was to be a best friend. A companion. To love our person until the day we leave this world.

Then she came. Walking up to us with her mom and dad, looking over each of us before her eyes landed on me.

And I was chosen.

She got down to her knees, held her hand out to me, and I rested my head in the palm of her hand, staring up at her as I felt that bond form between us. My person. My best friend.

She felt it too, I could tell. She picked me up, looked to everyone, and said, "I want him. This is Maverick."

That was the best day of my life. As I watch her now, I feel that the bond between us is stronger than ever.

After what felt like forever, the telltale noise of her alarm filled the room. Rolling over, she grumbled before slapping her little device and lying back down. I let out a small whine to signal her.

Finally, the best part of my day. My girl looks over at me, resting her hand on my head, and scratches behind my ear. She always knows the right spot to hit.

"You need to go potty?" She asked me. I kissed her hand in answer and walked toward her bedroom door, glancing back to make sure she understood.

"Okay, Okay, I'm coming." She groaned, reluctantly throwing off the blankets and standing. I waited until she was next to me before I started for the door.

I was still getting used to the new house. Not living with my grandma and grandpa anymore is hard, but I know she needed her own space for just the two of us. It's only been a few days, but I can tell she's happier.

She will be okay.

I just know it. I know her.

Ever since the day she brought me home when I was a baby, I have known her better than anyone.

She is strong.

She will heal.

It's time for me to go.

Walking side by side with her for the last time to the back door, I pressed my body against her legs, reminding her how much I love her.

It was pouring rain outside, my favorite. I always loved running in the mud, getting all wet. How fitting that this is my last day, and I get everything I love.

"Oh, buddy, you're gonna get all gross right before work." She grumbled, but I just scratched at the door and looked up at her. I want to remember every detail of her.

Finally, she opens the door.

I pause.

Look back at her, letting every memory I have of us play out. Every walk. Every trip to the park. Every night when she was sad, I was there to keep her company. The time she got hurt, and when she came home, she had a big white thing on her leg and had to lean on people to walk. I stayed with her through it all.

Now she is older. And so am I.

She is happier. So am I.

I did my job. Leaving my person in a better place than where I found her. I did that. She hasn't had it easy, but I'm happy she chose me that day. She may believe she still needs me, but I know she will be alright. I know I can leave her. I only hope she knows how much I love her.

"Go on, Mav. Come on, it's raining, love." She urged me, not realizing where she was sending me. I felt a pang in my chest, unsure if it was a warning of what was to come or the hurt of knowing I had to leave my best friend. I decided it was the second one.

I kissed her hand one last time, resting my head in her palm, just like I did the day I met her. I thought for a second I saw her frown, like she knew something was wrong. Maybe I was just imagining it.

It was time.

Turning back to the open door, I watched my yard for a moment. I took it all in, breathing in the rainy morning air for the last time.

And then I ran. I ran until I felt the pain in my chest getting worse. I ran up the small hill. I ran until I was no longer running. Until I was falling down the hill. Until I felt the ground beneath me, the grass in my face. water coating my fur. Until I heard my best friend scream my name, knowing she was running to me, rain soaking her, mud coating her legs and bare feet, not caring how dirty she was getting as long as she made it to me. I faintly heard her fall to her knees next to me, begging me to wake up, screaming for help.

But I was already gone.