He slept against my hip every night, followed my voice from room to room, and protested loudly whenever dinner was even five minutes late.

After leaving the cemetery that afternoon, I stood up too quickly beside my car.

The world tilted.

I grabbed the door handle before I fell.

“Very graceful, Carol,” I muttered.

Benny immediately pressed against my shoe.

I’d skipped lunch.

That was my own fault.

Still, I didn’t want to drive while I felt lightheaded.

Across the street was a small café.

A chalkboard near the entrance read:

DOGS WELCOME.

That was enough for me.

When I stepped inside, I noticed a golden retriever sleeping beneath a table near the window.

A young waitress approached.

Her entire face brightened when she saw Benny.

“Oh, he’s adorable!”

“He’d be very flattered if he could see you,” I said.

She laughed.

“I’m Mary. What can I get you?”