My Name is Mira

PROLOGUE

Thunder always frightened me. Yet, here I was, looking at the storm, appreciating all its beauty. I never imagined I would feel this way, but I do. For the first time in a very long time, I feel safe. And happy. Is this what it feels like to be at home? Because if it is I don't think I ever want to leave.
I am a homeless Labrador mix, who after five months of searching finally found a family, a home. The thought of what Texta and Maria must be thinking at that moment makes me very happy. They must be the proudest moms in the world. Every time, one of my siblings was adopted, they were proud and happy for them.
I missed Texta and Maria and my siblings. But Texta always said there are two ways to miss someone: the bad way and the good way. The bad way is to want to go back, whereas the good way is to be thankful for the memories and be at peace with the past. Every time, my sibling left us I missed them the bad way, but today, effortlessly, I miss them the good way and I think that is because my family has given me so much happiness that from now on, I wouldn't want my life to be anything else.
I cried when I was first brought to the house because I was afraid of what home might be like, but when I looked at my owner, I felt safer than ever.
I was lying on my new blue bed. The darkness of the night was nearly as dark as my fur, the lightning appearing here and there radiated purple light across the room. The warmth of home was incredibly pleasing. The room was quite small to fit my whole family in it, but here we were. On the right, stood a bunk bed taking a lot of space. If I carefully climbed up the narrow stairs, I would be able to see my big brother sleeping with his book in his hands. In the far left corner in front of the bookshelves, another bed -regular this time- took up the left side of the room leaving a small path in between the two beds. There, under a warm blanket, my big sister was sleeping, deep in her dreams. Beside her, on the same bed, my owner lay, staring at the ceiling. I knew the four of us were more than just a family. We were a pack, we protected one another, played with one another and had a deep connection, which is complicated to explain but we understand each other without saying a word.
My owner turned around to face me. Her eyes sparkled, I'm not sure if that was because of the purple light they reflected or the energetic happiness flowing through her veins. We stared at each other for a hot minute both thankful to have met one another. Any worries I had, anyone I missed; at that moment none of it mattered. I was at home with my owner and best friend, but most importantly I was loved. More than ever. Someone other than Texta or Maria actually acknowledged me as more than just a homeless mongrel. She smiled at me and I smiled back. When she saw my smile hers grew even wider.
"Good girl," she whispered.
And I knew she meant it. I wanted to run to her and play, but I could tell she was tired, so I decided to let her rest instead. I don't think I've ever had so much respect for anyone before, but in this case, our unexplainable instant connection was almost supernatural.
"Good night, Mira," she said and I knew that was my name because unlike all the Fluffys, Ladys and Princesses it actually felt mine.
"Good night, Liza!" I answered in my head, as I watched her close her eyes.

And then, I did the same. My eyes shut close and as my conscience started drifting away, I decided to reflect on my life so far to close the old chapter and be at peace with the past.
My name is Mira and this is my story.