Hershey

"I'm home!"

A wiggle of her tail, a growl of happy rumble. She runs towards the door, anticipating my every move. We have only been away from each other for a week. But for her, it seemed to be more.

I stop on the threshold and spray disinfectant on my clothes. A sneeze came from her, the smell irritating her sensitive nose. But she doesn't go away. It isn't enough to make her stop approaching the door, tail wagging all the way.

So, I indulge her. I sit on the sofa and she throws herself at me. A shower of cuddles and kisses from days of absence. Reaching out, I pet her furry head and feel its softness. She continues to kiss me, even through my face mask.

She doesn't know of the virus. But she knows that I'm home and she is glad for it, even if she doesn't understand why I'm away for days on end.

"It will be over soon and we will be together everyday!" I say to her, and she replies with a happy bark. Her eyes reflect hope and love. And happiness flutters through my heart, at this unspoken promise.