Love in simple things

Love and Fear

"Here, come" I was walking Millie down the streets one day. It was just a matter of seconds before my dog ran into a car. It was our fault. It was my fault. I didn't watch the road and let her walk a long distance from me. I never forgave myself for four years now. My mom insisted I get another pet. I couldn't go to a shelter because the guilt was still eating me alive. I don't think I could be a responsible dog owner.

"Hello, Gia"

"Hello, Marty. How are you?"

"I am good. How are you?"

"I am amazing. My mom wanted to see you. Stop by our house sometime."

Gia was our neighbor. She moved out recently to another apartment five blocks down the road. After Millie passed away, she was trying to help me find another pet. We adopted a parrot for 2 months and then one day I let her fly away. Gia was angry with me.

"Sure. How is work?"

"I got promoted."

"Wow. We should celebrate it."

"Of course. We should. My mom will be out of town this weekend."

"Got it. I will bring beers."

Weekends were always fun. We both played with Millie till our body hurt and we went to drink after that. Gia loved Millie so much. She would take care of her whenever we were out of town.

"I come bearing beers. Where is Marty the Man?"

"Yay. Come in, Gia"

I didn't expect her to walk in with a Golden angel in her arms. It was a beautiful little golden retriever. She had beers in one hand and the puppy in the other. I was staring right into those eyes.

I still remember the day I got Millie. She was a 1-month-old puppy wagging her tail and looking at me with those starry eyes. This puppy was not looking at me but I sure am afraid. I got flashbacks of Millie in the moment Gia walked in.

"What are you doing, Gia?"

"What?"

"Why are you bringing a puppy?"

"She is my puppy. I just got her a week back. Isn't she the cutest? Here"

"Since when did you start having time to raise a pet?"

"I always loved a pet. I wanted one so bad. Here, hold him"

"Him? A male puppy? I am shocked."

"You should be. Do you have food?"

"Help yourself with something from the kitchen. Mom made a bunch."

"Okay. Take care of him for a while, I will be back"

She handed over that beautiful angel in my arms. I didn't know how to react initially. I just held him for a while before going into the living room. I had some war movies going on. I saw his eyes and immediately knew he didn't like that sound. I changed it into some Cinderella series running on a channel.

"Here you go"

He was wagging his tail and wiggling on my tummy. My palm was cold. The guilt purged in. I wanted to leave him down but my couch was cold as well. He would feel warm but what about my attachment to him? Am I getting nostalgic? Do I feel the fear? Love with fear is a heavy price to pay in this lifetime. Gia walked in with food.

"Do you like him?"

"What?"

"I asked if you liked him."

"Oh, him? He is warm and friendly. What did you name him?"

"You tell me. What would be appropriate?"

"Miller"

"That's a sweet name. It is like an honor to Millie. She would be proud."

I went silent. Millie was my only best friend since my childhood. I was devastated about my fault all these years. I am a grown adult who knows that the fear is going to stay forever but Gia told me a million times and I was still letting fear control my desire to raise a pet, again. Millie would want me to raise one.

"Millie was such an angel. She would always grab my tortilla chips."

"Yeah, I remember"

"She runs behind you all the time. I loved her so much. I know you loved her too. Miller, come here."

Miller didn't move from my arms. I kept him over a warm blanket. He felt comfortable there. Gia called him three times, but he didn't respond. I just sat there holding him while he fell asleep to Cinderella in the background.

"Gia, where are you going?"

"Home"

"What about Miller?"

"He is home, too. Isn't he?"

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About the story

Welcome to "100 Days of Short Love Stories," where love comes alive! Each day, for the next 100 days, I will share a unique, heartwarming short story that explores the many dimensions of love. From sweet first encounters to bittersweet goodbyes, from fantasies to adventures, these stories will take you on an emotional journey through the highs and lows of love.

Whether you're a hopeless romantic, a daydreamer, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, there's something here for everyone. Join me on this adventure, and let's celebrate love! Love through my eyes.

About the author

📚 Fiction, YA, Romance, Fantasy, & Thriller Writer ✨ | Storyteller at heart ❤️ | Sharing my worlds, one tale at a time ✍️ | Follow for your next adventure!

Disclaimer

© Saranya G. All rights reserved. This story and its content are the intellectual property of the author. No part of this story may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author, except for brief quotations in reviews. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

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