Jude

Ginkgo. Sycamore. Oak.

Almost home, where Pookie would be waiting for their walk. First he’d say goodbye, for now, to Gladys. Who was smiling to herself, for once not saying a word.

Maple. Oak. Sassafras.

Star.

She saw it, too, he could tell.

Make a wish, he thought.

But for the first time in his life, guess who couldn’t think of anything to wish for?