A Matter of Time

After the sudden death of our Alsatian bitch Lada, we took  in a new puppy. Of course, it, too, was Alsatian.  Of course, a girl. Of course, for soothing the gnawing  feeling of the loss… We named her almost identically – Lara. I thought it indecent  not to give a live being a name of its own. On seeing me, the puppy toddles up to me and presses  herself against my feet. I take her up in my arms. She smells differently than Lada. Lada emanated a faint aroma of a  sheepskin, a homespun coat, and a leather jacket.  Yes, we knew each other even by smell. I stroke Lara, a little ball of fur. I stroke her, but I see Lada…  Tears well up in my eyes. No, I don’t feel for this little puppy  what I did for Lada. I become angry at myself. You, egoist!  You love YOURSELF! YOUR love you cherish! What is the  fault of that little creature on your lap? I stroke Lara and think that all lies ahead for us, probably.  We may come to love each other and become great friends.  You are already seeking my company, Lara. One day you too  will enter into my heart to become part of my life. This is,  perhaps, just a matter time... Time will show. But...  whatever happens, a nook has formed somewhere deep in my heart, and there will always be that loyal and loving friend of  mine…