Page 9 of Kage

For several minutes, I tossed one ball then another until the yard was littered with them. But there were still more in the bag. Suddenly, I was slightly winded, which was laughable since I worked out every day. But this was different.

He made me different.

Only when he thumped down on the ground did I stop moving altogether, bending over and placing my hands on my knees. “You gave me a workout, Tank.”

The sounds he made were ones of happiness. A tiny bit of what he was used to.

“How about some dinner. Huh? You gotta be hungry.”

What I’d learned over the years was that dogs were often smarter than humans. He instantly dropped his ball, cocking his big head before trotting off toward the door.

A breakthrough.

For just a little while, I felt a true stab of happiness and joy.

How long would that survive?

With his old bowls replacing the cheap one I’d purchased, I filled one with food, the other with cold water from the refrigerator. As soon as I placed them on the dog mat, he went to town. After he’d refused to eat for several days, just being able to watch him chomp his food as if in heaven was thrilling.

Small things.

Even more content than before, I returned to the living room and the bag, finding the sealed letter. Before opening it, I made a drink, hoping the whiskey would calm my nerves. Why the fuck was I concerned about reading whatever the owner had said?

Because I could feel extreme sadness.

I sat down, taking two gulps before placing my glass on the coffee table. Just peeling the flap felt wrong, as if I was invading the previous owner’s privacy.

But I read it anyway. I knew doing so was important.

To the person lucky enough to get my dog.

First of all, thank you.

Tank is a good boy, the best dog I’ve ever had.

He’s all boy, a mix but mostly lab. He has the best personality, protective as hell. He has some special skills. I trained him for search and rescue, hoping to take him with me when I deployed.

“Ah, fuck,” I said out loud. The weight of what had already been written hit me hard. Too hard. I took another swallow, trying to smile since Tank was already finished and had moved the bowl off the mat. The sound as he scooted the empty bowl across the wooden floor was the best damn thing I’d heard in a long time.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t certified so I couldn’t take him. I was called up early, which is why I didn’t have time to find him a proper home. I admit I hope it’s temporary, but you never know what fate has in store.

Tank loves balls. All kinds of balls, but mostly tennis balls. I hope you got the bag of them I dropped off. And his bowls. He loves those bowls and I don’t know why. He eats almost anything if you let him. Especially cheeseburgers. American cheese is his favorite.

Anyway, he’s the greatest joy I’d ever had in my life and the greatest regret. Please take care of him for me, will ya?

Sincerely,

Corporal David Banks

AKA Tank’s dad

“Fuck.” I felt something on my leg and looked down. “Ah, buddy. I’m so sorry.” With his head on my thigh, I sat back, pulling the glass to my lips. Just stroking him. His sounds remained content, slightly heavy breathing.

When he crawled onto the couch, I closed my eyes. Maybe tonight the two of us could finally rest.

CHAPTER 4

Kage

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