Because of a pooch...

I walk amongst the tangle of twisted trees along this little path, wind gently blowing through my dark hair. His hand is clasped over my own, his footsteps in time with mine. He whispers in my ear, sweet words and a rich tenor voice. I brush a blonde tressle out of his soulful eyes and quietly laugh. Then the path opens up to a small, seemingly empty beach. I smile at him and he returns the look, leading me carefully down the sandy hill down to the bay. I look around again and see a picnic set up, and I laugh. "A picnic? This isn't like you, love." He just continues to lead me to the picnic blanket and smiles. We sit down, and he gets outa bottle of champagne. I don't notice on account that I'm watching the ocean lap the shore until the loud pop of the cork forces me out of my daze. "Okay...what's up?" I inquire as he pours me a glass. "I suggest you sit down..." He said, and I notice his hands are sweating even though it's cool out. "Oh my God..." Tears instantly form in my eyes....this is the moment I've been waiting on for years.... "Will you....get me a dog?" My smile drops and the tears dry faster than they formed. We'd been living together for six months, and that's what he ask? "Uh....of course. I er....love dogs." I down my champagne and stand. Later that night I asked about the champagne. Apparently, he got it as a birthday present and just wanted to drink it for no reason.

A few weeks later, I'm sitting on my sofa with a little labrador on me. She's chewing on my shirt, undoubtedly ripping little holes in it, but I don't care. I'm supposed to be scheduling for the most important day of my life, not obediance lessons! He walks into the room and takes her off of me, much to my relief. I just have to be patient.
One night I take the dog out for a walk, since my boyfriend is at work. She takes her time, smelling every tree, mail box, and fire hydrant for three blocks. I get bored and tie her to the bike rack outside of the Kwik-Ee-Mart. I walk to the back and pour myself a cup of coffee, when something is pressed into the small of my back. I feel breath on my neck. "Give me your wallet...and you'll be fine." He whispers, and I look over my shoulder. I do indeed see a metallic glint. Hot tears stinging my eyes, I pretend to reach for my wallet, but kick him in the knees instead. He shouts out and I hit him over the head with the decanter of coffee, but doesn't break. He merely groans and turns to look at me. "You are so dead." He growls, sweeping his foot underneath me and pulling me to the floor.
He's suddenly on top of me and his hands are closing around my throat. The clerk sees what's going on and calls the cops, but I fewar they wil be too late. Now he only has me held with one hand as he reaches behind himself. I claw furiously at his hand and try with all my strength to get away, but cannot. Then a sickening boom and intense pain washes over me. He takes my handbag and tears out of the place, and the cops arrive minutes later.
I lay in the floor, broken and bleeding, for a just a few more terrifyingly long minutes. Then I'm whisked away in an ambulance, there's noise and horrible things all around me, and all I can think about is the one I love. Love endures all things, good and bad, and nothing can destroy it. I wake up the next morning in a hospital bed, wondering why I can't move my hand. Another hand is on top of it as I discover, and he's attached to it. His head is resting on the bed, his breath slow and steady. With my other hand I brush the blonde hair out of the face I love to look into. "I love you." I whisper, and fall back asleep.