My friend...

I have this friend, and she lives nearby.

I met her one morning on her morning stroll. I was coming home from work.

She greeted me kindly.

Her black hair stuck out to me most of all. It glistened, revealing its true brown nature.

Talking to her was fun, but I had to leave.

I would see her again, and again, and again.

Since it only took a couple of minutes to walk over, it was never a problem to only see each other for short periods of time. We made up for the lost time by visiting often.

Typically, in the afternoon or late evening.

She always enjoyed my garden.

I did my best to entertain. I was there for her and she was there for me.

One night, a man showed up.

I say a man, but he looked more like a boy.

Bright red hair, green eyes like emeralds. He followed her here. Pestering her to see him.

She was all but interested in his offer.

I had to do something.

This was my home, and I would let nothing crazy happen.

I scared him off.

She showed her appreciation.

In fact, she started visiting even more often.

It was never an all-day event.

There were some nights she'd come by to visit, but I wasn't home.

Some nights when she visited, I was already asleep.

I allowed her to stay in my backyard when I wasn't around.

I hope she did.

One morning, she visited like normal.

Her ears twitched,

her tail whipped around,

taking each step in stride, picking up dirt with every step.

She pressed her head against my leg.

I exhaled what smoke was in my lungs,

"Good morning cutie."

I pet her down her spine, letting her big bright yellow eyes thank me.