one-up

Yes, I’m sorry to hear it; he was a good man,
your husband. Reminds me of when my dog died:
he died of a heart attack, too. At least that’s
what the vet said: his old ticker just gave out.
I was so sad for so long; the grief is just
overwhelming—you kind of get used to
having them around. I cried all the way back
from the vet’s. Carried him home in a cardboard
box. Dug a grave for him out in the flower garden.
Next to you, he was about the best friend I ever
had: always ready to go for a walk, sit at my
feet,warn me if somebody was at the door.
Man, even fetch my slippers when I sat down.
Sorry, must be something got in my eye.
It’s a terrible thing when a pet dies, I don’t
know if I’ll ever get over it. It just leaves a gap
that nothing can fill. So, I’ll see you at the funeral?