Mitchell, a teenage boy with striking heterochromic eyes and brown hair, sits cross-legged on the floor. His green t-shirt with purple sleeves, purple tutu and green diaper contrast sharply against the somber mood of the room. Beside him, a loyal old dog rests her head on his lap, her breathing shallow and labored. The room is silent, except for the occasional rustle of leaves brushing against the window.
Mitchell strokes the dog's fur gently, his mind flooded with memories of when they would race through the fields, her barking happily at his side. "You've always been there," he whispers, his voice barely audible. The dog shifts slightly, her eyes meeting his, as if understanding the unspoken promise that her suffering will soon end.
Mitchell feels a wetness on his skin, realizing with a detached sense of awareness that he's wet his diaper. Yet, in this moment, it doesn't matter. His focus remains on the dog, her presence a comforting anchor. "I wish you could stay forever," he says, tears spilling over as he hugs her tighter.
Mitchell takes a deep breath, feeling the weight of his decision settle in his chest. He knows it's time to call the vet, to make the hardest choice for her sake. "You'll be free soon," he murmurs, imagining her running pain-free in a place where the sun always shines.
Mitchell holds her close, feeling her warmth for what he knows might be the last time. He presses his cheek against her fur, whispering promises of eternal love and gratitude. "You were the best friend I could ever have," he says, as the dog closes her eyes, content in his embrace.
Mitchell sits quietly, the dog's absence a painful emptiness beside him. Yet, he feels her spirit lingering, a gentle reminder of the joy they shared. As he stands, he knows she's in a better place, running free, and that knowledge is a balm to his aching heart. "Goodbye, my sweet girl," he whispers to the night, feeling her presence in the warm glow of the setting sun.
