Oliver lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, unable to shake the restless energy that had settled in his chest. His room was a cozy mess of colorful posters and scattered toys, each one a reminder of the days he spent waiting for his new companion. The calendar on the wall had eighteen long months of crossed-out days, and now, only a few remained. "Just a little longer," he whispered to himself, clinging to the hope that had kept him going.
Oliver sat at the desk, flipping through the letters from Ms. Parker, the trainer who had been preparing Buddy for him. Each letter was a small comfort, a glimpse into the life of the dog who would soon become his friend. In his mind’s eye, he saw Buddy, with his wagging tail and eager eyes, ready to be by his side. "I can't wait to meet you, Buddy," Oliver said aloud, feeling the words resonate in the quiet room.
Oliver watched from the sidelines, his heart longing to be part of the joy around him. But today, he felt a little less alone, knowing that soon Buddy would be there to share in his adventures. A friend approached, Liam, with a basketball tucked under his arm. "Hey, are you coming to play?" he asked. "Maybe later," Oliver replied, his mind still tethered to thoughts of the dog who would be his companion through thick and thin.
Oliver eagerly opened the latest envelope from Ms. Parker, his fingers trembling with excitement. Her words brought the world of Buddy to life, painting vivid pictures of the training sessions and the bond they were sure to form. "Buddy is getting better every day. He can't wait to meet you, Oliver," the letter read. Oliver hugged the letter close, feeling the warmth of anticipation spread through him.
Oliver stood at the station, heart pounding in his chest as he scanned the faces of passersby. The wait felt eternal, but finally, he saw Ms. Parker emerging from the crowd, with Buddy trotting beside her. Buddy’s eyes met Oliver’s, and in that moment, the world seemed to pause. "Buddy!" he called, his voice a mix of joy and disbelief as the dog bounded forward to meet him.
Oliver and Buddy walked home together, side by side, as if they had always belonged to each other. Every step felt lighter, every breath fuller, as if the world had opened up to a new chapter just for them. "Welcome home, Buddy," Oliver said, his heart full of gratitude and hope for the journey ahead. And with Buddy by his side, he knew he would never have to face anything alone again.
