The rodent returns

Friday morning began with big, sloppy tears - tears on my pillows, tears on my robe. I came out of the shower and Lexi was sobbing.

Her beloved hamster, Snickers, had been officially missing for 24 hours, and her optimism had turned to despair. He hadn't returned. We couldn't find him.

{And I worried, privately, that our dog Sophie had scored a warm meal.}
She cried all morning.

Brushing her teeth reminded her of the 'cute way he yawned'.

She pondered what kind of syrup Snickers would choose for his waffles, if he was around, if he had waffles.

Sad, sad, sad.

She pulled it together long enough to play with friends and ride her bike. She started looking forward to the next pet. She was picking out names.

Then dinner came and there was more crying, more misery.

She finally fell asleep on the couch.

That's when we saw Snickers scooting across the floor, on a grand adventure. I cornered him in the bathroom while Greg ran to get his pet carrier.

There was jubilation! Cheers! Excitement! And that was just the parents whooping it up.

Welcome back little critter. Now turn in your passport; you aren't going anywhere.

hamsters pets grief