Lottie’s hole.

“Lottie! Wake up!”

“I don’t know why you bother, it’s not like she can understand you,” Pinky said as she stretched on the floor. I was on Lottie’s bed trying to wake her up like her mom had told me t.

“Well she can hear my barks all the same. Lottie!!!!”

“Shush!! I’m awake!” Lottie sprang up grabbing me in the process, she hugged me tight and I greeted her with a series of tongue kisses which she received with a laugh.

Pinky jumped onto the bed and nestled into Lottie’s arms with me. Lottie was our ten year old owner as well as our best friend.

“Ok Ruby, Pinky, let’s go have some breakfast,” Lottie said leading the way downstairs. Pinky and I dutifully marched behind her. As Lottie did her morning routine, Pinky and I received a snack for waking Lottie up.

Finally, the worst part of the day arrived, Lottie went to school and Lottie’s mom went for work. Pinky and I stayed home, bored as usual. To make matters worse, telling time was so hard I’d given up a couple of weeks back or was it years? I can’t really tell. My only comfort was I knew when Lottie came home. Just before she did, the garbage truck would pass by on it’s way to who knows where.

After waiting for what felt like years, the garbage truck passed by. Still, Lottie didn’t come home. I started to pace and get anxious and even Pinky seemed worried

“What if something happened to her?”

“I’m sure Lottie’s fine,” Pinky assured me but she didn’t look like she even believed herself. Pinky and I decided to take a nap. Lottie would be back when we wake up.

We woke up to the sound of the door opening. Pinky and I rushed to the door barely able to contain our excitement. Lottie’s mum smiled at us. Her eyes were red. Lottie’s backpack was in her hands. Still no Lottie. Lottie didn’t come home.

It’s been months since we last saw Lottie or was it days? Lottie’s mom took us to a place surrounded by stones and sad looking people. She said Lottie was in the box near the big hole. The put Lottie in the hole and covered her up. Pinky slept right next to the big stone near Lottie’s hole. I wanted to start digging but something told me Lottie waswasn’t coming out of that hole.

It’s been years or was it weeks? since Pinky and I last ate. It’s harder to stay awake these days but Lottie’s the one who knew how to make our food just the way we like it. Lottie’s mom keeps crying. Pinky started eating but only when Lottie’s mom puts her on her laps. I can’t. I miss Lottie.

It’s been....I don’t know, I think I lost count; if I even kept count in the first place. I feel exhausted all the time. Pinky seems better and so does Lottie’s mom but right now they look sad, they’re looking at me. I can barely keep my eyes open. I can’t walk. I’m thirsty. I’m hungry. I miss Lottie. Maybe it’s time to say goodbye.

“Could you take me where you took Lottie?” Last time Pinky said the don’t understand me but I’m sure Lottie’s mom heard what I said because she smiled at me. It was a sad smile but a smile all the same.

I closed my eyes and that was it. Don’t worry Lottie I’ll always keep you company.