Reminiscence: My petite friend

1997 was a year of catastrophes for me.  I had already lost my paternal grandma in 96 and I lost my maternal grandpa in 97. I didn't know what was happening. My uncle was kind enough to understand  my mother's and my grief, so we left to my uncle's in October.
The memory is still fresh in my mind. When my uncle's family picked us at the airport I was introduced to a petite and affectionate Bichaun Frisé  called "Raja". He jumped on me, licked my hands and feet, sat on my lap and licked my face. He brought a big smile on my face. We both just couldn't live without each other.
Raja would curl up and sleep near my feet on bed. If he was not allowed to be on bed, I would sleep on the floor and he would sleep near my head.

Me with Raja

I gave him a gift I had bought for myself at the airport, orange truffles. It was his favorite and he always finished the entire pack. He had his own routine. Every morning, he used to run in the back yard to keep himself fit and used to eat on time, play with me and my cousin and slept when I slept. He was the best distraction for me after I lost my grandpa. However, I lost raja that month end. My mom and aunt tried to hide it from me but eventually I found out that he was hit by a car while playing outside.
It was raja who made me smile. I cried for him but I carried memories of our love and affection back home. I will always remember him for being with me.
Jahnavi