Me and Damian in October

Early October brought cooler winds,

and a short story I would keep deep in my heart.

When my friend had to travel far abroad,

every pet‑hotel space was already taken.

So I offered to care for her young dog —

Damian, a German Shepherd, bright‑minded yet stubborn from puppy days.

He stepped inside, tilting his head,

whining softly as if asking where his mother was.

He learned commands quickly, surprising me:

sit, turn, wait patiently for his turn.

Still at first his eyes kept searching for her.

I played with him, practised simple lessons,

let him rest his head upon my lap.

We chased balls across the room; sometimes he chewed the cord.

I stroked his back and spoke in quiet tones to calm his heart.

Each morning at five he would wake me gently —

warm nose brushing my cheek, tugging the blanket loose.

We rose and ate side‑by‑side, him glancing at my plate with quiet longing.

By evening his energy would surge,

eager to run, leap, and step out under the sky.

But this October was not always kind:

dark clouds gathered, thunder rolled, rain fell long and steady,

cold winds blew, keeping us indoors.

We settled close together on the sofa, pillows beside us.

He laid his head upon my lap, paws tucked neat,

and we watched films, drifting off to sleep together

to the sound of rain tapping against the window‑pane.

Damian disliked being caught in falling rain,

and would hurry back under the porch roof —

yet he loved the scent it brought in October:

the fresh‑turned earth, the crisp air,

carried to us on drifting winds,

a soft, soothing breath in the air.

Sometimes he stood gazing out the glass,

sniffing at the breeze waiting beyond.

The week slipped by too soon.

It was time for Damian to go back to his mother.

When I looked into his eyes, all my plans seemed to fall apart.

Still, I knew — these days we spent together

were the best part of this October.

I was happy, just to play, to care,

to share the quiet hours when rain came down.

One day, I told myself, I will have Damian for my own.

Yes — I know I will.