This One Was Different

[Optimist]

The Amarillo Armadillo passed away this morning while I was at school. It's just hit me. Okay. He was a rat.

Most of the time, rats really could care less about you. You are the big hand that brings them food.

This one made eye contact. He would bounce in joy over to see me. He would snuggle up. He would check on me. He watched me. Of all the rats I've had. He was the special one.

I heard a little squeek this morning and didn't bother to look. I was rushed for school. I had forgotten about some homework. When I got back from school, he was dead.

Last night, he reached his two little paws out wanting me to pick him up. I was busy. I wish I had.

I knew when I bought them that rats were lucky if they made it past two years. Owning any creature with such a short lifespan is a real emotional test.

Sorry if this is too personal.

In better days...