Chapter 39 - Missing You
Dad’s eye followed the little gray rabbit as she hopped across the set. He was photographing rabbits at the annual holiday portrait session. Netherland Dwarfs had a distinctive look and movement. Watching this one brought back memories of Abigail.
“How old is your rabbit?” asked Dad. Jennifer, Bunny’s mom, replied, “She’s almost nine. She’s getting up there.” Dad asked, “But she’s still healthy? No teeth problems?” Jenn said, “No, no teeth problems. She’s still very active around the house!” Dad sighed, “You’re so lucky.” Dad wished he could have had more years with Abigail. He had hoped he’d get at least eleven, since that was the “typical” lifespan of a house rabbit. Sadly, she didn’t live to be nine years old.
Dad had tried not to think about Abigail too much. It hurt to do so. But the holidays were fast approaching, reminding him that this would be the first Christmas without her in eight years. He recalled their first Christmas together, when he did his best to make it magical for her, since it was her first time to celebrate. He recalled their last Christmas together, after she had survived her thymoma treatment and was recovering from a broken leg. He was so thankful to have another Christmas with her. It was going to be hard this year, putting up her tree without her.
That night, after the photo session was over and Dad was home, he confided in Enzo, “I saw a little Dwarf today. She reminded me of Abigail. I really miss her.” Enzo thought, “I miss her too, sometimes. I have Merlot now, but Abigail was my first bun love.” It was true, Merlot was part Dwarf and now princess of the house, but Abigail was Dad’s first bun love, too. Losing your first love is always hard. Enzo wondered, “Dad, do you think you’ll ever get another Netherland Dwarf?”
Dad pondered the thought for a bit and replied, “Maybe, someday. Right now, everything is calm at the House of Buns. I don’t want to rock the boat.” His heart, though, still longed for Abigail. He said out loud to no one in particular, “Abigail, I miss you.” He suspected that if another Dwarf came into his life, she would be sent by Abigail.
Photographing Netherland Dwarfs stirs up memories of Abigail for Dad.
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