WHEN SHE SAW the sign for her street, Amora straightened up. Since Ashland, Wisconsin was a small urban city, there was always a liveliness in the air, and Conners St. was no exception. It was mid-summer, so people were engaging in the outdoors, from mowing the lawn to chit-chatting on porches, drinking beer. 

Amora hated it. 

Willow pulled up alongside the curb, then shifted the car to 'park'. "Well, I'll see you when I see you," she mumbled. 

Ever since the incident at Fiesta Cancun, there was a lingering tension in the car. Amora was itching to leave, despite it being only a few minutes from that place to home. 

But she paused, staring ahead, instead of exiting the vehicle. 

"Well, are you gonna get out?"

Amora slowly faced her friend, holding back choice words. "I'm sorry... if I came across as rude. That wasn't my intention." Then she bit her lip. "I'll see you later."

"No."

Amora shivered, taken aback. "What do you mean?"

"You didn't just come across as rude, Amora. That was rude," Willow sneered. 

Amora's face suddenly twisted. "Listen here, Willow," she snapped, "I had gone to that stupid speed-dating place for you, holding my pain in all day! It hurts, more than you could ever know."

"Amor-"

"-no, I said listen!" She paused, searching her face. "Do you any idea what it's like, Willow, really? No, you don't. And somehow you thought you had the right to ask me to go speed-dating... It brings back memories, Willow. Memories that I had buried for years, and I let them haunt me again for you."

"Wait-"

"No," Amora hissed, holding back a fist. "And after a long, painful day, you think it's okay to go to the place I got that phone call." Then she pushed the door open, stepped outside, and turned around one last time. "Willow, goodbye. I hope you and all your lousy boyfriends live the life, but you best hope they don't find out."

"Find out what?" Willow huffed. 

"That you're cheating and always have." With that, she slammed the door and started for her home. "Goodbye."

Willow's car door flew open. "I was there, Amora, when you needed someone most." 

Amora stopped at the door, hand to knob, then whipped around. Willow was standing beside the vehicle, her arms crossed. "Sorry, you helped me?"

"Oh, you know I did," Willow scoffed, pointing a finger. "You had me when everyone else left."

"You only made things worse." Then Amora opened the door, sniffling. "Goodbye, Willow."

"I deserve the last word because I deserved better!"

-

Amora gently shut the door behind her, clearing away the tears. If this was how things had to be, then she'd accept it. She had already gone through her share of losses, so why not another? Why shouldn't her best friend follow the same pattern, leaving her behind? Was she somehow an exception?

"Of course not," Amora scoffed. "She's gone, just like everyone else." Knowing her, she'll probably have me replaced by tomorrow.

Suddenly, she leaned back against the door, replaying the scene in her head. Then, in the next moment, she slid down, burying her head between her knees. In the five years they've been friends, not once did they have such a fight. Not once had Amora really questioned their friendship. 

This time was different. 

"You really were a waste of time, weren't you?" Then Amora lifted her head, looking to the picture propped up on the end table beside the couch. After she stood, she drew near, gritting her teeth. It was too late, she realized. Then, holding the picture close to her face, studying every detail, she smashed it to the ground. 

It used to be something she'd treasure, never failing to cheer her up. At least I have this one friend, she'd tell herself. At least I'm not entirely alone. 

Now, it was something that broke her heart. 

Ever since Bridger, she'd play the role, pretending she couldn't care less. After all, everyone always left, whether it was by choice or by death. However, deep down, she cared more than anything what Willow thought. Amora cared enough to tag along speed-dating, even though she knew she could never replace the boy she kissed in the rain. 

At the end of the day, Amora only went along with Willow because she was afraid. Maybe she'll find someone better, she'd think. Maybe if I don't go, she'll replace me.

So, looking over the broken pieces, she nodded to herself. Perhaps, this was for the best. 

And that was when she heard it. 

Snapping a look to the gate, Amora mustered a smile. "Oh, hey, buddy. How long have you been barking?" She gave a small laugh. "I'll let you out, don't worry. I miss you, girl. I really miss you..." 

On hind legs, Nara stretched a paw at her, ears perked up. 

Amora stood back a moment, trying to capture that smile; the same one that used to make everything okay. Then, in the next moment, she undid the gate and watched as she scurried to her feet. "I... missed you too."

In response, Nara gave another bark, tail wagging. 

She wiped at her face, smiling back. "I'm so sorry, girl." Then she lifted her up, savoring the moment, as she rocked her in her arms. "I hope you're happy, sweetie."

-

The phone rang. 

Amora jumped, shooting upright from the couch. Who could that be? After asking herself, however, she shivered, realizing who it was. And she was right. 

It was her mother. 

"Dear?" came a tender voice. "Are you there?"

Amora ran a hand down her face. "Yeah, I-I'm here. What's going on?" Then she slowly stood, waiting for a response. "Mom?"

"Oh, yes, dear, I'm here," she said back. "I was just calling because we want you to come and visit. It's been a while. In particular, though, it was your father. Truth be told, dear, he really misses you."

A shiver ran down her spine. "I don't know, Mom..." she mumbled. "I don't think so..."

"It's Saturday, dear, and summer-"

"I-"

"-and don't tell me you're busy."

"Mom, you don't understand," she went on, rubbing her temple. "I am busy and I also said I don't think so. That should spell out that I'm not coming today."

"You've always been difficult, Amora, but I also know I'm your mother."

Amora resisted a huff. "Okay, fine, I'll be there tomorrow. I'll be free then."

"What are you doing now?" 

"Having a pity party, thanks for asking," she mumbled.

"Oh, I see. Well, meet us at home tomorrow! Oh, and dear? He would like you to bring lasagna. You know it's his favorite."

With that, Amora hung up the phone and sighed. She knew that her Alzheimer's was getting worse, but she could never play along when she mentioned her father, even though he had died several years ago. Not only that, but she was in a nursing facility, far from home. 

Her mother was getting worse every phone call.

However, her mother was right about one thing: she wasn't busy. Her full-time job never required her to give up her weekend, so she didn't have that excuse. And Amora couldn't say that she was busy with college either, considering it resumed again in a couple of months. It was summer, after all. 

Amora sighed. 

But that was when her gaze locked with Nara's. "I'm sorry, girl, I didn't mean it..."

The gate was still wide open, but she sat from within, staring back. Unlike before, her face was blank; emotionless. 

"No," she reminded herself, "she's not only emotionless, but-" Then she blinked hard and was once again all alone; just as she was the whole time. 

"-dead."

In reality, Nara was gone. 

Amora squirmed, leaning forward on the couch. After a moment, she nodded stiffly and left for her bedroom. When she came back, she shifted on her feet before taking it out of the plastic bag. A faded red, Nara's collar still had that bell from all those years ago. 

It still had her scent. 

"I'm sorry, girl."

Hey there, I hope you're doing well! If you've got questions or any suggestions, I'm open to them. The more criticism, the better!

Anyway, it's time for our interrogation! 

Question: Do you dip your cookies in milk? 

If not, you must be a psychopath (like my sister)! *shakes head at the thought* Okay, so maybe that's a little dramatic... lol

Well, anyway, thank you for reading and God bless. <3