Chris walked alone through the park as a cool breeze ruffled his jacket. He stopped and looked at the bench he had sat on a thousand times. That’s where he had met his girlfriend, with Mika. He brushed his cheek with his coat sleeve. People walked by; smiling, laughing. Picking up his pace Chris had to get out of there. Then he saw the red fire hydrant. That’s where Mika had always stopped. Chris slunk down to one knee.

“You okay?” An old man stopped and gently placed his hand on Chris’s shoulder.

“Sorry, it’s just my...” Chris hid his face as his shoulders heaved up and down.

“I’m sure it’s not so bad, whatever it is.”

“T-thanks, I’ll be fine.” Chris picked himself up and nodded at the old man. He hurried home. Opening the door to the apartment his girlfriend was there, waiting.

“Hi, baby.”

“Hey.”

She looked at his red bloodshot eyes and embraced him in a tight hug.

“Don’t go to the park baby, you’re just torturing yourself.” She stroked his hair.

“I know. It’s just... it was Mika’s favorite spot. God, I miss my dog.”