05/02/2026
🐾 Because They Love Me 🐾
Alfie:
You’re tired today.
Ben:
I know.
I’m trying not to worry them.
Alfie:
They’re doing everything they can.
Ben:
I know.
They’re holding on because they love me.
(a quiet moment between them)
Alfie:
And you?
Ben:
I’m holding on for them now.
(they stand close)
Alfie:
They think more time might help.
Ben:
Sometimes time helps the people who love us,
even when it doesn’t help us anymore.
(Ben looks away briefly)
Alfie:
You’ve been telling them, haven’t you?
Ben:
Every day.
When I don’t follow them from room to room.
When I rest more than I play.
When I don't want to go for my walk.
When my tail still wants to wag, but my body won’t.
(stillness)
Alfie:
They’re scared of choosing wrong.
Ben:
Of course they are.
This is the hardest choice they’ll ever make for me.
(Alfie steps closer)
Alfie:
What do you want them to understand?
Ben:
That I know they’re holding on because they love me.
But I’m the one carrying the hard part now.
(a long pause)
Alfie:
Where do you want to be?
Ben:
At home.
Snuggled into them on the brown chair by the window.
I want to feel the sun where it always lands,
and hear their voice, calm, telling me it’s okay.
Alfie:
What do you want them to know?
Ben:
That this isn’t giving up.
That they’ve listened when it mattered most.
That choosing this moment, here, with me, is the kindest thing they could do.
(quiet)
Alfie:
You are so loved.
Ben:
I am.
That's why it's so hard for them, but I hope they hear me soon.
