the pause

i was warned by the vet and others that this would happen. i just had a kai-moment. we just came home from the day, and although the hustle and bustle of the daily routine has kept me distracted each day at this time the last week, today there was a pause. and then looking at the spot where she meets me in the foyer when i come home. instead of her enthusiastic tail-wagging and open-mouth smile, i see nothing. i hear nothing. no panting, no collar and ID tags jingling, no chewbacca-like sounds coming from her mouth. only the fan blades swishing through the air and the air conditioning blowing through the vent. the house is still and empty, even though everyone's in it. everyone, except her.