I woke up in the yard, again. It’s where they put me 2 weeks ago. My family, I mean. I blink my eyes open, adjusting to the bright and early sunrise. The bees were already awake and buzzing around my face. I shift away from them and towards the middle of the yard. The birds chirp and flutter around the bird bath. Two small blue birds tumble around in the air. At some point, it looks like one is trying to get away from the other, but as soon as he gets away, he comes back for more. That looks like fun.

I yawn and stretch my neck up into the sky. I plop back down into the dirt. I watch them until I get tired. 

I hear the door open. I whip my head around to see mom standing on the porch with a cup of what could only be coffee in her hands. She had my favorite blanket wrapped around her. 

I look back at the bird, debating my next move.

You get to live another day, bird.

I run across the yard as fast as I can and stop at her feet. She doesn’t look down at me, though. She doesn’t move. I look up and she’s looking across the yard where I originally woke up. I sit down just in case she needs me to. 

She walks down the lawn and I follow behind her. She lays a blanket next to where I woke up and I join her on it. Oliver joins us soon after, nuzzling himself under her arm. In the process, some blueberries she had hidden in her palm jerk out from her palm and tumble into the grass. I scurry to claim them before Oliver can. 

Laying on the couch with Oliver, I hear the promising sound of leashes and collars clinking together. Oliver gets up from his dented spot on the couch, runs to the door and pitter patters his feet on the floor. His tail is wagging and he can’t wait even a moment to stand still and let Mom gear him up. Me next— Oh? Mom leaves my leash hanging on the wall. No leash today. 

I didn’t need a leash. I listen. 

We walk down the street, past my favorite house – filled with cats peering out the windows.  When we pass it, Oliver didn’t react. I did. I want to let the cats know how I felt. They just stand their ground, watching me. They’re getting better at this.

We’re almost home and I can see the turn we usually make, the one that means food soon. Couch soon. Mom sniffles.

Are you sick?

She stops walking and sits down on the curb. Oliver tucks himself under her arm. Mom presses her face into her hands. She is making that sound again. I stay very still. She doesn’t look at me.  I’ll do better next time, Mom. 

When we get back from our walk, Oliver goes straight to the couch and lays down. I climb up beside him. I like being near him. But he doesn’t like to play much anymore.

I jump down and grab a toy from the floor, gripping it between my teeth. I threw it in the air, and shook it in my mouth. 

Squeak!

Squeak!

Squeak!

Oliver lift his head but keeps his eyes on the window. What is he looking at? I’m over here. His body is still, like he is waiting for something to move outside. 

I stand there for another moment, waiting. Then I drop the toy and sink into the carpet. 

I blink my eyes closed and focus on Oliver’s breathing growing heavier.  

“Dinner time!” Mom calls. 

Oh yes! I’ve been waiting all day for this.

I stand in front of Mom waiting impatiently, Oliver stands next to me. She lays one bowl of food before walking away. 

Oliver stands over his food, staring at the bowl.

Eventually, he walks away entirely. More for me, I guess. I’m so hungry. Mom forgot to give me treats today. It’s okay, though, I just eat Oliver's food at night. 

Like tonight, he barely eats anymore. 

I blink my eyes open. My fur is covered in brown. My patch of grass has turned into a patch of dirt now. The grass used to poke me. The dirt is softer.  

I shake leaves off of me. When will Mom get out here and rake these leaves? She does it every year. I love jumping in the piles. 

The birds were not bathing today. I wait at the door. When was the last time I took a bath? 

I liked it when it was warm. I liked it when Mom and Oliver would come outside. Where have the fireflies gone? I even miss those bees.