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Panicked, Callie tugged hard on Millie’s old pink slipper, heavily falling backward as it came off. Stunned, it took a moment to realize that Millie wasn’t clutching at her arm any longer. She was very still with her head tilted strangely.
Whimpering, Callie gathered strength and tried tugging at the other slipper that was angled haphazardly on Millie’s other foot. There was no response. Callie hesitated and then tried to jump up into the recliner with Millie. Age and arthritis made it impossible.
Alternating between barking and whimpering, she circled the fallen slipper unsure what to do next. She wanted to race to the door and get someone. She wanted someone to make right what she knew was wrong.
Suddenly, she was very tired. Lying down on the slipper smelling of Millie, the little Chihuahua knew that Millie was gone. Just as that certainty touched her, she felt a hand softly touch her small head.
Turning she saw Millie and a man, confused, she looked back at the chair. Millie was still there? She turned back and saw that Millie and the man were still kneeling in the carpet in front of the T.V.? Sliding the slipper around and into her teeth, she started scooting backwards on her tummy towards Millie’s chair.
The man gently moved closer, and showing teeth, she quietly growled. As he stopped and spoke reassuring words, Callie noticed that he had the kindest, softest eyes. They made her feel warm inside. Slowly scooting forward, she came closer, until he could reach out and pick up her.
He snuggled her close into his chest laughing as Millie lovingly touched her head. Callie felt the final gift of endless love as a tingling warmth filled her up. He stood up with her whispering, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master's happiness! My Father has prepared a place for both of you”
Then he turned to Millie and stretched out his hand to help her up. Callie saw the look of love pass between them as Millie smiled up at him. As Millie stood beside him, he warmly told her to say goodbye. Callie saw her glance over to the recliner. It looked like the normal evening routine with Millie asleep in her recliner and Callie curled up at her feet. Millie touched a hand once more to Callie’s head and declared. “I’ve said my goodbyes. We’ve been waiting for you.”
Several hours later, Millie’s daughter nightly visit revealed the sorrow and joy of a peacefully empty house.
Copywrite©2004 Angie Schulte
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