Will summoned up his sister in labour; her brave, focused breathing. As the needle burned, he panted and snuffled; occasionally mooed.
The price of love.
Pedrito watched, benignly entertained; snickering as Will grinned away his tears.
Seven weeks later, Pedrito ruefully smiled his goodbyes.
Will sobbed into his dog’s dark, curly chest.
At the clinic, Will’s sister held his hand as the laser transformed Pedrito into a scar.
Soon, Pedrito would only be visible in harsh light, or when Will faced the mirror just so.