Nip tugged at his chain dragging his mistress behind him. He looked like a not so miniature, shaggy white horse trying to gallop, but each time his hopeful leaps forward were cut short by an un-amused leash, who was trying to give him a condescending look while clucking its tongue at the same time. But Nip was not to be held back today and with a mighty heave he wrenched himself free and came charging full tilt at me, with the now completely distressed leash trailing behind. He reached me and without a pause proceeded to plant his massive paws on my shoulders, nearly sending me sprawling to the ground. He was without doubt the biggest, and probably the friendliest dog I have ever met, though his current incessant slobbering made me feel that there might be such a thing as too friendly. I could see though how he could inspire fear in some; what with his enormous hairy frame and sharp fangs which if put to use could certainly do some damage, but you had too see his eyes to realise that he was just an overgrown puppy who didn't know the destructive potential of his own awesome size.
I have always loved Nip right from the time he used to tower over me as a kid (he doesn't seem to have aged though I have certainly done so) to now when some would say I'm a full grown man and others a juvenile delinquent. He is one of the few connections I have with that far off time called childhood when I had no major concerns and was blissfully ignorant of what happened around me. It was a time senses dominated and the world was for exploring, and Nip was there with me dashing with me through the fallen leaves sending them swirling around my head, or going with me for long walks in the country while the rest of the world was tucked away in their beds or sitting with me beside the fireplace vying with the hypnotising flames for my affection. He needn't have done so I always loved him more and would any day leave the hearth to frolic outdoors with him. He would drag me out of bed in the morning and despite my efforts put his cold nose under my blankets and not leave me till I reluctantly emerged, and then we would have the whole day too ourselves never running out of things to do until night would come and I would be tucked away safely and he would roam outside keeping guard, occasionally letting out a howl of loneliness.
Even now, when I am not meant to be a child any longer, Nip can bring out what remains of that innocent childish laughter I used to have. He finds it hard to understand that I have grown up as he himself never has. He looks at me with his pure puzzled eyes as if to ask me what possibly could have become more important to me than running through leaves…. And I must confess I can no longer meet his gaze. Gone are the days I could not only meet it but match it. I think I have learnt more from sitting quietly looking into those doggy eyes than I have in all my schooling. So how do I tell Nip that now it's considered inappropriate for me to throw caution to the wind and run wild, he would just look at me and ask so? I don't have answer to that. But he has never given up on me and now is satisfied to sit by my side quietly for hours on end. We haven't stopped our endless walks, though maybe they are less frequent, and now I often spend the nights with him in his lonely vigilance and he seems happy for my company.
Today too he is the same, with his uninhibited way of showing affection, and I feel sad that I restrict myself to a quick hug and a pat, he doesn't seem to mind though. Now I can see his mistress finally catching up and I feel sad because I know that means they have to leave. They complement each other perfectly, Nip and his mistress. She matches his innocent charm with her cold aching beauty, her clear skin and keen blue eyes. She is not prone to displays of affection and has few words, but then Nip makes up for that. She is not unfriendly and I cant help but like her (I think I have an adolescent's crush on her). Yet she is distant, one feels the need to be wary of her, at times I even fear her. As she comes closer everything around her seems to be touched by her delicate beauty and I am humbled by its magnificence. She seems to have the hint of a smile, I think she likes me because of the soft spot Nip has for me. But I am sad Nip cannot stay, at the best I would get only a few months with him a year, not even that this time. I remember how I used to wait eagerly for him the whole year, impatient with the long, dull days when the outdoors were unbearable without him. Sometimes she would send him ahead with her sister and then Nip and I would make the most of our time, at other times she would stay and linger in the background as Nip and I played. But today I can make out she is in a hurry, they were late this year and Nip won't be able to stay.
She is standing opposite me now and she looks kindly down at me. "You aren't staying are you?" I find the courage to ask. She smiles knowingly, "he's yours tonight" she says to my delight and Nip jumps on me again to show he feels the same. "take care of him" she says and both Nip and I say we will. She smiles again (has to be a record) and touches my cheek and then walks away. I blush, turning crimson from the touch, I wrap my muffler tightly around me so no one will see and walk off in the opposite direction with Nip running around me in circles, sending the leaves swirling over my head. As I walk I return to my childhood and Nip towers over me again and I can't forget the kindness Winter has shown me by leaving her faithful companion with me for this last night.
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