Lola and Rocky’s Christmas

Lola was curled up on the couch, wrapped in her old gray blanket, with the glow of the Christmas lights reflecting in her eyes. On the floor beside her, Rocky, her faithful dog, rested with his front paws crossed, watching her with that knowing expression that seemed to belong only to dogs. Outside, the cold crept through the bare branches of the trees, and the fogged windows protected the warmth of the home.

-December again,» Lola murmured, looking at the Christmas tree lights. Everyone says it’s a magical time, but it seems more like a trap to me.

Rocky lifted an ear, attentive. Although he could not speak, in Lola’s mind, his voice echoed with a clarity that kept her company.

-Trap? -said Rocky in his imaginary sarcastic tone. Explain yourself, human. I don’t understand what you’re talking about.

Lola sighed, sinking her head into the blanket.

-From this pressure, Rocky. We have been taught that these dates are «special». That you have to be happy, surrounded by people, with presents under the tree and a table full of food. But in reality… -She paused for a moment, as if hesitant to admit it. In reality, all they do is remind you of what you don’t have.

Rocky looked at her with his big dark eyes.

-And what don’t you have, Lola? Because I see a tree, lights, a warm blanket and an incredibly cute dog who adores you.

Lola couldn’t help but smile.

-You’re amazing, you know that? But it’s not that, Rocky. It’s not that things are missing. It’s… I don’t know. Sometimes I remember my grandmother, the days when the whole family was together. Or I think of friends who are no longer around, of people I miss. And it seems like these dates only serve to amplify that.

Rocky cocked his head to one side, as if analyzing his words.

-So you miss your grandmother,» he said, in Lola’s imagined voice. And that’s something that only happens at Christmas?

-Well… no,» Lola admitted, scratching the back of her neck. I miss her all the time, but… I don’t know, it seems to hurt more at this time of year.

Rocky sat up, wagging his tail slowly.

-That’s because we’ve given these days too much power. We’ve painted them as something «special,» but in the end, what changes? If you miss someone, you miss them on any given Tuesday, while waiting in line at the grocery store, or on a Saturday afternoon while doing the dishes. Christmas doesn’t have a monopoly on nostalgia, Lola.

Lola remained thoughtful.

-I guess you’re right…» he said, letting his words float in the air. -He said, letting his words float in the air, «But still, it’s as if everyone is agreeing to remember what’s missing.

-Everyone? -Rocky snorted, or at least Lola imagined it that way. Do you think all those people you see on social networks, with their perfect photos, don’t miss anything? I bet you my croquettes that more than one of them is just like you. The difference is that you admit it and they don’t.

Lola looked at Rocky with a mixture of admiration and tenderness.

-You know something, hairy philosopher? You’re right. Sometimes I think you’re wiser than me.

Rocky stretched out a paw, as if accepting the compliment modestly.

-It’s not wisdom, Lola. It’s dog logic. We live in the moment. We don’t think about who’s not here or what we’re missing. If I have a bone to gnaw, I’m happy. If I’m with you, I’m happy. You should try it.

Lola burst out laughing, dropping her head on the back of the sofa.

-So your advice is to stop thinking so much?

-Exactly,» Rocky replied, looking up at her. Look, Lola. These dates don’t have any special power. They’re just days. If you feel sad, it’s not because of Christmas. It’s because you’re stuck in what could have been, instead of enjoying what is.

Lola stroked Rocky’s head, feeling how her dog’s warmth filled the emptiness that sometimes invaded her heart.

-What if I can’t help it?

-Then give yourself a break, human. But don’t use these days as an excuse to make yourself feel worse. And, while we’re at it, you could share some of that cookie you hid this morning. See? I’m enjoying the moment.

Lola laughed again, more heartily. She got up, went to the kitchen and came back with a couple of cookies in her hand.

-You win, Rocky. Let’s enjoy the moment.

As he cracked the cookie and handed it to Rocky, something inside him began to loosen. Maybe it wasn’t about the dates, or the memories, or what was missing. Maybe, as her dog said, it was all about learning to live in the moment.

And as the tree lights flickered and the cold night enveloped the house, Lola felt less alone. Because in that instant, with Rocky by her side and the cookie shared, she had everything that really mattered.

From MasTorrencito we wish you a good day and that your dogs accompany you!!!!

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