Becky left for a week away today. She’s heading for Las Vegas for a friend’s wedding.

I got home, did a few chores, posted an incendiary blog entry, walked Zeke down to the park. It was a lovely, leisurely walk. We stood while toddlers ran up to pet him clumsily, their tolerant parents looking on. Zeke couldn’t wait to get away from the two-legged terrors. We walked slowly up the hill again.

Zeke was poky — he’s tired at the end of the day — and I stood, watching the wind in the tops of the eucalyptus trees. Zeke sniffed around the base of a retaining wall. I watched the trees some more.

It occurred to me that this walk felt different from the last few. I’d felt a mild hurry to get back to the house before. Nothing there to hurry back to tonight.

Sixteen years with her, and my step still quickens when I’m walking toward her.

1. 
   KathyF 2005 06 28 at 8:28:06 am

   Awwww!

   When’s your book coming out, anyway?

2. 
   dread pirate roberts 2005 06 28 at 11:34:10 am

   works that way at our house too. and for the same number of years.

   anyone turned in that nissan yet?

3. 
   Rurality 2005 06 28 at 11:45:01 am

   I know I’m not really adding any intelligent commentary, but I just couldn’t resist saying, “Awwwww! How sweet.” :)

4. 
   Anne 2005 06 28 at 12:56:47 pm

   very sweet, chris.  just what every wife wants to hear :)

5. 
   OGeorge 2005 06 28 at 5:17:36 pm

   I’m sure Becky will love reading that, but Zeke probably liked the slower, more olfactory pleasing, pace.

   BTW Chris, I don’t care what Hank Fox says, Tito is MY dog! Uncle-dad my ass.

6. 
   Idyllopus 2005 06 28 at 9:09:29 pm

   Me too.  Awwwwwwww.  That’s sweet.

7. 
   KathyR 2005 06 28 at 9:25:12 pm

   Look. Do you think you could whisper just a word or two of advice into the ear of my baby-boomer lawyer husband? I know he loves me and all, but Criminy!

   OK, never mind.

8. 
   alphabitch 2005 06 30 at 11:07:03 am

   you’re a Love Geek!