December 14, 2023

Let It Snow

R. and his dog, F., are enjoying a walk in the forest preserve not far from their home.

It’s a genial sunny day 10 days before Christmas. The blue skies smile upon them, birds fly freely, and a skunk is seen scurrying about in the distance.

And there are a lot of other people out with their dogs, dogs out with their people.

But there is no snow. None on the ground, none in the sky and none in the forecast which stretches until year’s end.

“Christmas without snow,” R. says, “is like…”

“You without me?” F. completes his thought.

“Sometimes I wish you didn’t talk,” R. says to the little black dog.

“I always wish you didn’t, “ F. the dog replies.

The dog looks at him and wags its tail and R. smiles and scratches his pal’s head and gives her a treat.

The man and dog walk through the long, snowless grass, the setting December sun at their backs.

“Can I drive home?” F. asks.

“Sure,” R. says. “But I have to keep you on the leash.”

The dog wags her tail. --TK