I love when people show up unexpectedly to love on us.

 

Anger. I know that one—I've seen it in Emma's eyes when she talks to that glowing rectangle thing and sometimes when she’s crying quietly, trying not to let me notice. But I always notice. I can tell when she's hurting. And I know her anger isn't about being mean. It's about protecting her heart. She doesn't explode. She decides. She draws the line, and then she walks away with her head high (okay, sometimes she cries, but only I see it, and I never tell).

Last night, she went out with Judy. They went to the Mexican restaurant—the one where I never get leftovers—and then to the dollar store. They came back with colorful bags and fizzy drinks and giggles. I don’t even know what they bought, but they seemed excited.They put on their glasses and did crafts, and Mom took a photo.  I love Judy. She’s got good lap energy.  

Earlier in the day, Emma dug and snipped and rearranged things in the dirt. She moved daylilies and hostas, humming as she worked. I lounged nearby in the shade, supervising, of course. The garden is our happy place.

Corinna stopped by mid-morning, and Mom's tail—well, her version of it—wagged. They talked for a long time, and Corinna dropped off things for a yard sale. Then Becky came by (my hero!) and we all went for a walk through the flowers. I love walk-and-talks. I love Becky. I love when people show up unexpectedly to love on us.

Later, Emma came back from Five Below with chocolate (again), muttering that prices were going up. She says she spends too much on sweets. Personally, I think she should just share more with me so the problem balances out.

Anyway, I slept well last night knowing Mom felt loved and surrounded. That even though anger has her guarding her heart like a fierce little terrier, joy still finds its way in through flowers, friends, and fizzy soda.

She’s got a beautiful life—and I get to live it with her.

—Peanut 🐾