We Were Neighbors

    “Cerberus, come back here!” Charlotte yelled as the Bernese Mountain dog bounded happily across the room, chasing his treat. Cerberus was energetic and excessively lively, unlike most Bernese Mountain dogs. But that didn’t mean that he wasn’t the loyal, good-natured pet he was known to be. Charlotte was a hardworking college student working two part time jobs, one at a bakery, and another at a salon. She loved her pet very much. Whenever she had the time between her classes and jobs, she would cuddle with her cherished Cerberus and bury her nose in his long fur.

    As Cerberus caught his treat in midair, it occurred to Charlotte that it was time for their daily stroll in the park. However, getting Cerberus onto the trail was always a struggle. They would arrive at the park then Cerberus would gallop so fast to the grassy area that no matter what Charlotte tried to do, she couldn’t get him to walk with her on the trail. The only strolling happening was the part when the exuberant dog dragged her to the park. It was almost like the human and dog roles were reversed. Since Charlotte was used to coming to the grassy area, she brought a worn-out tennis ball every time. She chucked the ball far, far away, to encourage Cerberus to fetch it. The ball spun through the air, then landed near a Canadian goose exploring this park. Cerberus tore through the air, leaping up… Then he came face to face with Bob, the Canadian goose. Suddenly, there was a moment of complete silence. It was like magic when the two completely different species knew that they would become friends.

    Every single day from that day on the two friends saw each other at the park and exchanged a friendly sniff and nudge. Until one day, Charlotte just came back from her shift at the bakery and took Cerberus to the park next to their house, the one they always went to. Cerberus couldn’t see Bob anywhere. Behind the bushes, under tables. Little did he know that Canadian geese need to migrate in the winter, away from the cold Canadian weather, and towards Washington. Charlotte noticed her cheerful Cerberus was downcast and disappointed. Though she didn’t know what was going on, she tried her best to cheer him up again. Treats, hugs, cuddles, nothing could make her pet happy.

    Eventually, Cerberus got over this and spent more time with Charlotte. But the world didn’t seem to be on his side. Charlotte graduated college and works full time at the bakery now, and that means she spends less time home and more time at work. The weather was cold, and Cerberus couldn’t go to the park. He could only walk in circles in the backyard. Cerberus was alone during the day, and that made him think more about his lost friend. The winter nights were long and cold with the wind whistling high pitches.

    Finally, the time came when flowers bloomed, and birds sang! Spring was here. The Bernese Mountain dog and his owner returned to the park. The air carried the sweet scent of blossoms, and the gentle rustle of leaves. Suddenly, Cerberus's sharp senses caught sight of a familiar figure approaching—a beautiful goose with feathers as white as freshly fallen snow. It was the very same goose they had encountered before, now returned from its journey back from Washington. With cautious steps, Cerberus approached the goose, happy but nervous at the unexpected reunion. Charlotte observed the encounter with a mixture of awe and anticipation, marveling at the silent communication unfolding between the two creatures.
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    As the goose let out a soft honk and Cerberus offered a friendly sniff, Charlotte felt a swell of warmth in her heart. In that moment, she realized the profound simplicity of true connection—one that transcends barriers of species and seasons. And as the goose and Cerberus parted ways once more, Charlotte couldn't help but smile, knowing that no matter what was going to happen, friendship amongst neighbors would always prevail, tethered by bonds stronger than any challenge they might face.

Bonnie Chen is a 5th grader at Eastside Preparatory School.