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Henry: A Little Girls Love

Carlee was six when her parents gave her the dog she had named Henry. Carlee had been sneaking into the dog kennel to smuggle the month old puppy up to her room each night where she tucked him carefully in bed. This was never allowed as the dogs were champion beagles, bred and sold to dog owners who would train them for hunting and show. Her parents beagles werent bred to be pets for little girls. However, her father had seen her love for Henry and convinced Carlees mother to allow the child this particular puppy despite the fact he was a perfect specimen and so they lovingly promised their daughter that Henry would be hers. Carlee and Henry became inseparable and her love for him grew each day. But there were times when Carlee found Henry lying on her bed staring out the window as though watching for someone to arrive. She found it odd but easily forgot the staring as she loved Henry with the passion only a young girl has for her first dog. Henry was six months old when one sunny, summer day an elderly couple came to the kennels to buy a dog. They brought their grandson, who sat silently as they talked to Carlees parents. Carlee, being the little eavesdropper she was, managed to slip within hearing range and heard the grandparents explain how the boys parents had been killed in a car accident along with his two brothers. They talked about how the boy never spoke, didnt play and simply sat staring into space. Their doctor suggested they get him a dog and had recommended his friends who raised beautiful, champion beagles. Carlees father explained the dogs were expensive but it didnt matter to the grandparents who only cared about doing everything possible to help their hurting, broken grandson. A tear slid down Carlees cheek as she thought how horrible it would be to lose her parents, brothers, sisters or Henry. And so she took Henry by the leash and went to become the boys friend. His name was David. David didnt tell Carlee but she knew from eavesdropping that he was curious of the puppies. And he didnt resist when she took him by the hand and led him to see every single puppy on the property.

Carlee talked and David listened. Carlee explained how to care for the puppy that David would chooseand how to teach the puppy the tricks she had Henry perform. Carlee and David spent the entire day playing with the dogs, and David listened intently to Carlee but never spoke. Carlee liked David. Carlee liked anyone that let her talk nonstop, but there was more to her liking David. She could feel how sad he was, how much he needed a friend. So she let David hold Henrys leash, brush Henry, cuddle him close, and when the two children lay on the blanket that Carlees mother spread on the lawn for a picnic, Carlee let Henry snuggle closest to David. The evening came and finally Davids grandparents insisted it was time to choose a dog and go home. David just shook his head and refused to take one of the puppies. Davids grandmother wept into her handkerchief and his grandfathers shoulders sagged with failure. Carlee watched them all closely then hugged her new friend, wishing hed choose a dog to love as she loved Henry. David knelt and wrapped his arms around Carlees beloved Henry, hugging him close while Carlees eyes widened in shock at what she heard. Carlee heard the softest of whispers. Goodbye, Henry. I love you. It was David who whispered and Carlees heart leapt within her as she stared down at Henry who pressed tightly against the boy. Carlees heart shattered as she suddenly realized that all those times when Henry stared out the window, he had actually been waiting for the boy he didnt know to come. A lump formed in Carlees throat and she thought quickly. If she remained silent no one would ever know David wanted Henry. No one would know that David had spoken. No one would take her beloved Henry from her. Davids grandparents walked to their car in silence, David stood on the porch looking at Henry in silence, and Carlee held Henrys leash in silence. Her eyes met Davids and he smiled then placed his hand over hers and squeezed it in friendship. It was then that Carlees heart was set free. If I give you Henry, you have to talk! Carlee exclaimed tears rolling down her face. You have to talk to Henry and to everyone else. You understand?

David nodded. No! You cant just nod, she commanded, You have to talk. Carlee jabbed a small finger into Davids chest. You have to tell them you want Henry, she continued. Henry needs to be talked to and you have to go to school and learn. Henry needs a smart owner not a dumb one. Davids grandparents hurried back to the porch to see what caused Carlee to be upset. David turned to his grandparents and drew in a deep breath. In a rough but low voice he said, I want Henry. Davids grandmother sobbed aloud. Davids voice wavered but grew stronger, Ill go to school, and Ill talk. Ill do anything. Henry is Carlees dog, his grandfather protested, choose another. No, he needs Henry and Henry wants David! spoke Carlee with the authority of a child on a mission. But you have to bring David and Henry here every month, so I can check Henry and check David too. I get something. I get to be the checker. Carlee nodded firmly as she made her demands. Henry went home with David who continued to speak, learned to grieve and through the years found joy again. Carlee went silently to her room where she cried into her pillow even after her father and mother had lay down on each side of her stroking her hair as they whispered how proud they were and how much they loved her. David and Henry came to visit Carleeonce a month for a while.Thenthe visits became more frequent until David was as familiar with Carlees home as she was with his. Carlee never chose another dog for her own because her heart still loved Henry even though shed given him to David and David always understood his friends great sacrifice.

It was Carlee who held Davids hand the day they buried his grandfather, and it was David who taught Carlee to drive with Henry riding in the backseat. Carlee was who David asked to the prom, and they stood, hand in hand, both crying unashamedly the day they lay Henry to rest at age twelve. The day Carlees father escorted her down the aisle to be married, it was David who waited at the altar. And it was Carlee who stood on the tarmac waiting for David when he returned from the Gulf War. He saw her standing in the sunlight just as he had first seen her that day so long ago. She stood smiling, waving, and holding their son, Henry, who one day would be told and would understand he was named for more than just a dog. He was named for kindness, friendship, sacrifice and love. Please check out the E-Book Store for more fabulous books. http://www.shortstoriescorner.com/e-book-store http://www.shortstoriescorner.com

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