i took her to the vet that morning
for the last time

i remember it was raining
and the lady at the vet's office
was sweet and caring
with a pleasant voice
and a kind heart

it was still only morning
still raining
when i drove home

i parked the car
and walked toward the house
knowing that my wonderful dog -
my beautiful "rose" -
would not suffer anymore
and that for the first time
in her fourteen years on this earth
she would not be there
waiting for me

my hand shook
as i held the key
to unlock the door
and the key fell on the step

and on the other side of the door
no one would be waiting
nothing would be there

nothing
but that awful silence