Her smell on the pillow beside you invites you to hold it close. Her musky dried sweat and and oils of her fur coax breathless memories that just linger on the edge of thought. The first smell of coffee joins her in the scented memory and you roll out of bed scratching stiff crusted fur. You fish a stained roach from the ashtray and try not to stumble down the stairs to the pot of black gold. All of the windows are open, curtains fluttering in the mild breeze filling the house with crisp salty air. Mug in hand you see her standing at the edge of the porch, her long delicate finger picking through the knots in her ears. She was your best friend, someone that was always there for you. You watch her quietly savoring the mix of salt, coffee, bitter smoke and her undeniable essence. You never planned to fall in love with her, sure you've always had a crush on her the way most friends do, but... she loved you back. Your heart flutters as she throws a glance over her shoulder and catches you watching her. The languid smile that caresses her face forces your own face to grin foolishly. You can smell her she is only a half dozen steps away. You want to say good morning for the first time, she is only five steps away. You want to share the sunrise with her, she is only four steps away. You want to touch her to make sure this is all real, she is only three steps away. You can smell her and her fragrance makes your muzzle wrinkle with an uncontrollable smile she is only two steps away. You giggle as your fingers slip under the elastic and you whisper your heart to her.