Dear Preethi,

I still remember the first day I met you, on that December night when I returned home after quitting my job abroad. My family knew I had quit, but I had planned a surprise visit. As soon as I stepped into the compound of our house, I wasn’t greeted by my family but by a loud, thundering bark, alerting everyone inside to the arrival of a stranger.

It was you, Preethi, the latest addition to our family—a beautiful Labrador. My younger brother had brought you home while I was still away, so to you, I was a complete stranger. You barked and barked, determined to protect your family from this unknown person. But as soon as the lights came on and my mother opened the door, you realized I wasn’t a threat. You looked at me curiously, and then, as if understanding I belonged there, you wagged your tail, eager to befriend me. From that moment, we grew close, and the bond we shared became something special.

At that time, I was struggling, unsure about which direction my life should take after leaving my engineering career. I had stepped into a phase of deep uncertainty, unsure of where my next steps would lead. You, however, remained calm and steady, as if sensing the emotional confusion and self-doubt that clouded my thoughts. In your quiet way, you were a source of comfort, offering your company when words failed me. You didn’t need to speak to make me feel less alone; your presence was enough. It’s strange how animals, with their simple ways, can sometimes understand us better than humans can.

When the COVID-19 lockdown came, we were all stuck at home—my mother, brother, you, and me—unable to leave the compound for months. Those were the happiest days for you, with everyone around all the time. We played football in the yard, trained you to run faster, and tried to teach you new tricks like jumping over high-jump bars. I still remember your goofy attempts at learning these tricks—how you'd often get distracted by a passing butterfly or collapse into a heap of dried leaves before the game even ended.

Your joy and energy were infectious, and being with you helped me escape the worries I carried. You, in your own way, inspired me to pursue writing—a career path I never would have considered if not for the peace and happiness your presence brought into my life. You showed me that love, comfort, and inspiration don’t always come from other people; sometimes, they come from a soul like yours.

Leaving you to explore this new chapter of my life was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’ll never forget how you sat beside me that day when I told you I had to go away for a while. You looked at me, almost as if you understood, but your eyes were filled with sadness. I could see you knew this was different from the times I’d leave and come back in a few hours. I could tell you didn’t want me to go.

It’s been nearly four years since I last saw you, and I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you needed me the most. I hope you’re doing well, and I hope one day we’ll meet again, even if just for a moment, to relive those precious memories.

There’s so much I wish I could tell you now. Life has moved forward in ways I couldn’t have imagined back then. I’ve found some direction, and the writing career you unknowingly inspired me to pursue has brought me so much joy and fulfillment. But every time I hit a new milestone, I think of you and how much you helped me through that tough time. You were more than just a pet—you were my confidant, my silent companion, the one who kept me grounded when everything else felt uncertain.

I often wonder what you’re doing now. Do you still chase butterflies in the yard? Do you still give that happy little bark when someone you love walks through the door? I picture you, tail wagging, with the same boundless energy and love you always had. And though I can’t be there with you, I hope you know that a part of me will always be with you, no matter where life takes me.

I don’t know when I’ll be able to visit home again, but when I do, I hope I’ll find you waiting, just as you were that first night. And when that day comes, I’ll sit beside you, just like before, and maybe—just maybe—we can pick up right where we left off.

Until then, Preethi, know that you’ll always have a place in my heart, forever.

You may not understand all of these words, but I know you felt everything we shared, and that’s more than enough.

With all my love,

Shadow Pen

This is an anonymous letter created for the t2 x Uncommons writing challenge.