This Shirt

I’ve always been kind. I was raised to love and listen, to care even when I’m not sure why I should. My parents, they told my brother and sisters it was the Golden Rule.

They said, “If you give, even when it hurts, someone will give back the same. You just have to wait it out.”

I would sit and listen quietly. Watching their faces, understanding their confusion — after all, it was hard to believe, let alone comprehend, that just love could change something or someone. I know they must have been right, though. After all, they love me.

I expect they’ll be back any minute, so I have to make this quick. I want to tell you that I can’t leave, not today and not tomorrow — not ever. Mom and Dad love me and they’ll be back. I know this because they promised me they would never hurt me.

I guess you probably think I’m wrong and that’s okay. I shouldn’t have went off that morning, but you see this? This is Dad’s shirt. He left it there in the trash so I would find it.

I’m going to stay here and I’m going to sleep here. They promised to love me. Love me they did. When I was sick, they took me to the doctor. When I was lonely, they hugged me. If I was upset, they’d soothe me. You see?

I’m not worried. They’ll be back. I’m going to wait it out, because I’m not just a dog.