Time for our evening walk. I tug. She won’t budge. Not in the mood either. I release her leash, plumping myself onto the sofa. Cuddling the pillow close, tears stream down. My poodle strokes me with her tongue, staring into my eyes as if she’s saying, “Just let him go.”

Chidi Young lives in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. He’s a teacher, photographer, and graphic designer who loves to read and write short stories.