One True Valentine

He: his best friend died years ago, his heart attacked him in April, left him for dead, but he’d fought his way back with time and an expert cardiologist. She: used to feel cold, semi-homeless, needy nervous always craved a man’s approval, attention she never got. But he scratched her back just so, and sometimes her belly, and brought her dinner, and treats and toys (she never lacks for them now). Once even some bling: a red heart, a blinking one, to wear around her neck. Together they walk long walks around the block or down the beach. They sniff the salt air and wade through sand and chase the sea-gulls, or Crunch their way through dry leaves and earthy woods. Now they sleep together, side-by-side, her brown head nestled along his arm, she gazes up at him with liquid yellow eyes. They keep each other warm. She sighs contentedly, her look is adoration, such total love, something only a dog can give. She’s his one true Valentine. And he’s her Boyfriend, the One she’ll never forget.