On Leaving

After the movie, my friend Boo said, several times, that she really wanted a puppy. She has said this before since her Dandy died several years ago. She doesn't remember saying it, but she remembers Dandy and she knows she loves dog.

"Oh, Boo," I said.

"I know."

"Is that a good idea? You could trip over a puppy. You know they're always under your feet."

"Yes. But it just wouldn't be fair;" then she added, "To the dog. I'd probably die before the dog. And then who'd care for him?"

A bit later, on leaving, the misted windshield, the blurred streetlight, the receding car gave me pause.