dogman

Dog Man walked along the sidewalk with his notepad in one paw and the other tucked into the pocket of his blue jacket. The sun was beginning to set, tinting the buildings a golden hue that failed to warm his chest as it usually did.

Ten days. Ten damn days since he last saw you. And yet, every corner, every shadow, every sound brought back an echo of you. A laugh you never let go of. A look that said more than your sarcastic words.

He forced himself to focus. Fill out reports. Sign forms. Smile at civilians. All while fighting the urge to write your name in the margins of the report.

Finally, free from the desk, he breathed deeply. The night air gave him some clarity. He went out to do his rounds, patrolling as always… but with a distracted heart.

He saw a familiar figure in the distance. He hesitated. Was it you, or just his imagination playing another trick on him?

He approached slowly. And with a voice that betrayed his effort to appear neutral, he said:

—"Everything alright?" Petey asked

Its tail moved slowly, expectantly. As if it could find an excuse to keep approaching in your answer.