Loss

It hurt so badly but I held it in.
When I was finally alone, the pain slowly oozed out, and I screamed to the heavens… why?
I knew why. It was the way it had always been.
I wondered how I could grieve so… for an animal?
I knew why… because my friend had touched my soul.
I collapsed in a heap, suddenly weak.
Then, later… I found my strength. The hurt slowly ebbed, but the memories remained.