This time last year....

It's been one year. 1st of May, Labour Day. I will never forget this day.
One year ago, on this day, my parents and I brought Chippy to my grandmother's place like we usually do. The day went on just like any other visit to my grandma's place. We left around 9pm as the next day was a working day and I was also doing my industrial attachment during that time. My father will always park his bus at the opposite side of the road and we will cross the road to board his bus.

While we were crossing the road, Chippy's harness broke loose and she dashed across. At the same time, there was an incoming car and she dashed in between the front and rear wheels. What I saw next is going to haunt me for years; the right rear wheel of the car rolled over her and left her wriggling in pain. Even after one year, I still shudder when I recollect that moment. My mother quickly picked her up and we sent her to Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital. On the way to the hospital, I cried. Not teared, not sobbed, cried, like a child. I thought we were going to lose her on that day, I was very scared. We had to leave her at the hospital that night.

When we were back home, I couldn't sleep and the tears won't stop. Over the next few days, we went to visit her at the hospital everyday as she had to stay there for 1-2 weeks. Everytime I saw her in that sorry state, lying down and unable to move her lower body, tears rolled down my eyes and my heart was broken. That was the most painful moment in my life so far. I was the one who brought her on her walks most of the time and I knew for quite some time that the harness has been spoilt. But I didn't replace it and thought that it wouldn't be an issue, I feel very guilty.

Im not a strong believer in religion as I feel that most of the time, a person's destiny is held in his own hands. But during that period, I asked god to make Chippy well again, make her survive that ordeal and walk again. Even if god has to shorten my life or make me single and lonely forever, I am willing to accept it.

Today, Chippy is well again. She can walk and even run. She limps on her right hind leg and there is a barren patch on her back where no fur will grow. These are the only signs of the accident. I vow to take care of Chippy all my life and if I don't, I wish I will suffer a fate worse than hers. With her around, I will not be lonely.