Hershel’s Last Day by Sydney Moyer

I'm sitting on the vet room floor while my dog lies in front of me. The room is lit up by those awful LED lights that would be seen in a hospital or school. There is almost nothing in the room but a bench, a dog bed, and a cart that has dog treats and Hershey's Kisses. The vets feel that everyone should get to have chocolate at least once, even if it's on their last day. Dad is standing in the corner, tears running down his face. He never cries. The doctors are around you on the floor while I gently pet your head, hoping to comfort you. Everyone else couldn't make it because it's the middle of the day. What if I was still at college this weekend and never came home? Would you have been alone? The doctors leave us to say goodbye. My dad can't handle it for long, so he rushes out in an emotional blur to start the car, but I don't want to leave you because that means I never get to see you again.