Just Once More
Just Once More
You were so small when I first met you, and really so was I.
You were a baby and I was just a pup.
When you saw me for the first time you embraced me in a tight hug. I gave you a soft lick to your cheek.
I knew then that we would be best friends.
When you finally let go I ran circles around you with joy. You could only crawl then.
Three years passed. You were now four and I was much bigger than I used to be.
I was your protector when your parents weren't around. I always kept close to you.
Playing together was so much fun since you learned to walk. I loved running around with you trying to catch me.
I was too fast for you though, but that didn't stop you from trying each time we played outside.
And when we were both exhausted we would take a nap together in your bed.
When we had first met I would snuggle up to you, but now you snuggled up to me.
Two years passed. You were six and started first grade.
You were gone much longer now than when you had started kindergarten the year prior.
When I was home alone I couldn't help but hope that you were alright every day you were gone.
Whenever you came home I would get so overwhelmed with joy that I would jump on you.
You were still smaller than me so I often dragged you to the ground.
You didn't mind though; you just laughed as I licked your face.
We would play for a while outside before coming back inside. I always hoped that we could take a nap together like we used to, but you had to do your homework.
I wished I could rip your homework to shreds, but I knew you wouldn't like that.
I couldn't complain on the weekends, though. That's when we had the most fun.
The masters of the house would take the two of us to the nearby park where we would play for such a long time.
Of course, we would always play our game of chase.
You were much more coordinated than when you were four, but you still couldn't catch me.
I was glad that we were able to take naps when we got home.
I noticed that you were getting bigger as the years passed while I remained the same size.
Soon you would be bigger than me.
Five years passed. You were eleven and started Middle School.
You had grown so much these past five years.
You've changed so much too.
You had made so many new friends in elementary school.
You would occasionally bring them over to play.
I didn't like it when they came over; you would spend more time with them than with me.
But I could see how happy you were so I didn't interfere with your fun.
I did get excited when you and friends decided to play with me.
However, you were the only one I wanted to play with.
Whenever you and your friends played with me there would always be the chase.
Your friends didn't seem keen on the idea of chasing me around the yard.
I could care less what they thought; I was glad they didn't participate.
I've enjoyed this ever since we first met.
I was surprised when you came close to catching me a few times.
Were you getting faster?
Or was I getting slower?
Three years passed. You were fourteen and staring high school.
You just didn't seem to stop growing.
Meanwhile I haven't changed since you were just a little kid.
Well... my fur has started to fade in some areas... and I have gained a little bit of weight in recent years.
Despite that, though, I still enjoyed playing with you.
On the weekends you would bring me to the park and play a few games.
But of course we would always get to the chasing eventually.
Things were different now, though.
I had once been able to run circles around you, but now you could catch me every single time.
I couldn't even play as long as I used to; I would get exhausted so much faster than I used to.
I knew I wasn't the only one who realized this; you had looks of concern every time we went out.
I knew what you were thinking; you were worried that I shouldn't be exerting myself so much.
I understand that I've gotten old, but you shouldn't ever worry about that.
I would gladly collapse from exhaustion if it resulted from being with you.
Years passed. It was your graduation.
My health has deteriorated these past couple of years.
I couldn't do anything physical except take an occasional walk.
That was very depressing for me.
Something that made me glad, however, was that I was allowed to attend your graduation ceremony.
As I lied on the ground I watched you walk up on stage and take that piece of paper.
I couldn't believe how big you were now.
You were an adult.
I smiled when I thought about how cute you were when you were just a little kid.
I remember all the times we played together; how you would come closer and closer to catching me each time.
But now I'm standing still, and you're still moving on.
I knew you didn't need me anymore.
That night was the same as any other; you'd be asleep under the covers while I slept at the foot of your bed.
I wasn't sleeping though; my mind was elsewhere.
I looked up at the bed and could hear you snoring softly.
I slowly got onto all fours and slowly approached the side of your bed.
It took a bit of effort, but I managed to get myself onto your bed.
The bed creaked a little with the added weight; I had gained even more over the years.
I looked down at you, illuminated only by a dim light.
I couldn't help but picture you when we first met.
How I wished we could go back to those times.
But I'm content with the life I've lived.
I slowly lowered myself onto your bed.
I know I don't have much time left in this world, and so I'd like to spend it as close to you as I can.
I rested my head on your chest.
I just wish we could do all the things we could when I was younger.
Just once more I'd like you to chase me.
Just once more I'd like to jump up on you when you came home.
Just once more I'd like you to snuggle me like when you were just a child...
As if you were reading my mind you wrapped both your arms around me.
I gave your cheek a soft lick as thanks.
I then closed my eyes so I could drift into slumber.
I wish I could tell you that you are and always will be my best friend.
And I hope that I was your best friend too.
This is my first stand-alone story.
Now while I'm aware that German Shepherds only live 10 to 12 years, I decided to prolong their lifespans just for this story. (Wouldn't it be great if they actually could live eighteen years?)
I used a different type of narration than I normally do, so please comment if there was anything I did right/wrong.
Hope you all enjoyed it!