“Why don’t you join us?” They asked her for the hundredth time. She was exhausted from having to reject their pleas. Her friends were never tired though. “It’s just one night. It couldn’t hurt, right? Besides, just think, you might meet someone really cute, someone like you,” her best friend winked at her.
“What would you do shut in the house all day?” She didn’t see the need to answer that. They didn’t know her Valentine’s Day ritual.
She woke up with the alarm clock ticking on the bed-stand. 4 years ago, she wouldn’t have been the one to wake up alone; he was the one to wake up before her. She would stir in her sleep with him next to her. His playful self would bring him even closer to her, so she could feel his breath on her skin. Smiling, she would hug him as he’d nuzzle her cheek.
But today, on the morning of 14th February, 4 years later, she woke up with a struggle. Lifting aside the cold blanket, she stepped in her slippers. What would you do, shut in the house? Her friend’s words echoed in her mind.
None of her friends were let in on her secret – her Valentine’s Day ritual. She feared they would judge her, think that loneliness had turned her mind somehow. She will never be ready to tell them. They will never understand.
She got dressed in her black dress; the one that even today carried his smell. It was perfectly fit for the day. To some, it would seem she was out on a date. Closing the door behind her, she turned to step out on the porch. A mid-Feb chilly wind grazed her face.
On the way, she bought the flowers he so loved – daisies. And a bar of Mars, the only crunchy treat that got him out of a fit of rage or sadness. Just over a mile, she turned around the corner and walked past the gate. This was where they first met 9 years ago. This was where they now met for the past 4 years.
1st row, 2nd and 3rd… There!
“My heart is your home & there you’ll live forever!”
In loving memory of,
‘Dollar’
The Dog who still lives…
The headstone read.
Two great drops of tears washed away the dust settled on the weathered stone where she laid the daisies and the bar of Mars. She felt the paw prints engraved on the stone. He was her friend, her companion, her love, her life. How could any man replace him? With memories of him tormenting her mind, she got up, turned and left the graveyard.
For her, this was customary. For her, this was Valentine’s Day.
~~~~~
I lost my pet German Shepherd ‘Dollar’ many years ago.
But there’s not one day I don’t miss him.
I believe,
Valentine’s day is about appreciating them
who make your life better, happier, worthwhile.
And that isn’t limited to humans.
This post is my tribute to all our furred friends, who’ve left us but live in our hearts forever. This post is for Dollar.
Valentine’s day may much be about daisies and pawprints and not roses and kisses. So what’s your Valentine’s day ritual?
~~~~~
This short story was originally featured last year on Candles Online. You can visit the post here.
~~~~~
Asha Seth
March 3, 2018 at 9:32 pm
That was awesome. I loved it. I don’t really have. I’m beginning to accept my singleness and I’m happy.
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March 5, 2018 at 10:07 am
That’s great! Can’t imagine many people who are that happy and brave to accept things as they are. Keep it going, Kath.
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March 5, 2018 at 11:22 pm
Thanks Asha. You’re the best.
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March 6, 2018 at 5:52 am
So are you, buddy.
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March 6, 2018 at 9:41 am
Thanks!
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February 19, 2018 at 2:16 am
Why limit unlimited love? Beautiful story Asha!
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February 27, 2018 at 12:16 pm
Thanks, Meenakshi. You are so sweet. And since I am back from my travel, I shall soon reply to your email with full honesty and justice.
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February 16, 2018 at 5:42 am
Hello Asha,
I love this short piece. Being a dog owner, this one hit me right in the heart :’) Happy belated Valentine’s Day.
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February 16, 2018 at 9:22 am
Thanks, Sophie. And it made me so happy to know you loved the writing.
How’ve you been?
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February 17, 2018 at 3:35 pm
You’re welcome Asha 🙂 I’ve been good! Lately I’ve been plugging along (slowly but steadily) on my WIP. Hope you are doing well too!
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February 27, 2018 at 12:17 pm
Yes, I was away traveling. And oh, how refreshing it was. I am back to the grind now.
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February 28, 2018 at 2:34 am
Sounds like you had a great trip Asha! Whereabouts did you go? 🙂
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March 5, 2018 at 12:10 pm
I did, Sophie. I went up north, to attend a cousin’s wedding. I shall have the post on my travel up soon.
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March 6, 2018 at 2:44 am
Nice 🙂 Looking forward to your travel post Asha!
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March 6, 2018 at 5:48 am
It’ll be up this week.
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March 7, 2018 at 2:15 am
Great 🙂
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February 15, 2018 at 11:08 pm
Beautifully written, If I lost one of my cats i would be distraught!
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February 16, 2018 at 9:25 am
I am sure you would be. I am a dog person through and through, Marsh. happy to hear your thoughts though. 🙂
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February 15, 2018 at 5:12 pm
This is such a beautiful piece of writing Asha !!😊❤
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February 16, 2018 at 10:11 am
I loved penning it down and happy to know you enjoyed reading it. Riddhima. 🙂
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February 17, 2018 at 4:43 pm
❤️😊
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February 14, 2018 at 9:26 pm
Beautiful Asha!
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February 15, 2018 at 7:07 am
Thanks, Malini.
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February 14, 2018 at 9:02 pm
Heart touching,I stopped reading in the middle..I can’t take those kind of love stories
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February 15, 2018 at 7:07 am
Thanks for stopping by, anyway.
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February 14, 2018 at 8:52 pm
wow nice one.. love is in every thing that make u feel good..true..
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February 15, 2018 at 7:08 am
Yes, indeed.
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February 14, 2018 at 4:22 pm
How very sweet! It’s so hard to lose a loving companion. My daughter’s valentine is our cute, energetic little mutt who we adore=). Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, Asha. Sending love and fond memories of those we have lost and are dearly missed!!
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February 15, 2018 at 7:05 am
It is the least we can do but remember them in words and memories for the unconditional love they shower upon our lives. My love and wishes with your cute little valentine. 🙂
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February 14, 2018 at 4:00 pm
That was so emotional and outstanding piece of story. Thanks for putting me into the memories of Sony and Rosy. Oh I miss them so much. Yes they were my Valentine’s once.
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February 15, 2018 at 7:07 am
I am happy to know you liked it, Ravi. This was my first flash fiction attempt for valentine’s campaign for the said site. Our furred friends teach us what true love is. My feelings and love with Sony and Rosy.
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February 15, 2018 at 11:21 pm
Thanks for reciprocal of your feelings.
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February 16, 2018 at 9:24 am
Always! 🙂
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