Lily

Little pup.
My first baby. My first real responsibility.
A baby myself when we met - just 23.
You've followed me into every damned room since.
I'm your sole focus. Your north star. Your person.
Your constant nearness feels like home in that way you don't even notice.
Always staring at me with those big brown eyes and ridiculous doggy eyelashes.
Hold me.
Feed me.
Take me potty.
Love me.

We grew up together, but I couldn't keep up.
Your little heart just beat too many times.
They tell me not to wait too long.
How will I know?
When you stop sniffing all the rocks on every walk?
When you stop begging for lettuce and apples?
When you stop wagging your tail when I pick up your leash?
No.
It's when I look up and you're not right there.