José

I crossed the street so he could meet ROMEO and he loved him. Isn't he cute? I said. He's from Dog Orphans in Douglas. We rescued him on Monday. I'm an orphan too, I said. Me too, he said. I just lost my brother to suicide. Oh I'm sorry. How did he die?
Fentanyl was in the heroin. I want to kill myself too, he said.
'Please don't!' I said. Do you have someone helping you with this?
Yes, he said.
I get depressed too. Walking helps and dogs are my suicide prevention, I said.
And I like to write.
I like to draw and it helps, he said.
Yes it does!
Promise me you'll call me instead of killing yourself, I said. He took my number and punched it into his phone. We shook hands and he kissed Romeo. This was meant to be! He said smiling.
Yes!!! I said. You'll see me around, I walk this way every day.