Day 348

Confession: When I worked at an indoor dog daycare up north, a toad found its way into the play area during winter. I found it amongst the dogs and quickly scooped it up, squealing (quietly) with excitement (and bewilderment).

I decided to keep it and release it back into the wild in the spring. I got it everything it needed and although I cared about it very much, its release was something I looked forward to for months.

A messy breakup ensued and I sold all my stuff in preparation of moving. I couldn’t take the toad with me because I was going many hours away to the desert.

I had to pass the release off to a friend.

I doubt the toad knew the difference, or that we were both being released at the same time.

But I know. I’m sad we couldn’t do it together, and years later I now realize I didn’t just feel like I let the creature down, but myself as well—and the grief and guilt of how abruptly my life changed again.

Sound of the day: Charlie Grey & Joseph Peach – The Hunter and the Owl https://youtu.be/3ggL_0L6a9A?si=gRNzluZJx9Tk45s4