Buddy was worried about her. She could see it in his solemn eyes as he watched her every move.

Sydney was getting sick of herself by the time Maddie called and invited her to a girl’s night out with her sister Tiffany, sister-in-law Janey and some of their other friends. Sydney’s first inclination was to say no as the idea of showering and doing her hair and putting on makeup and choosing clothes seemed overwhelming.

But then Buddy nudged her and let out a soft whimper. He seemed to be asking her to do it for him.

“All right, Buddy. If it means that much to you.”

He barked and wagged his bushy tail.

For the first time in a week, Sydney laughed. She showered and shaved her legs and found a cute sundress that showed off the light tan she’d acquired while walking Buddy.

She brushed her hair until it shone and put on makeup that highlighted her eyes. As she wielded the mascara wand, her breath caught at the memory of Seth teasing her about how different she looked when she wore makeup. He preferred her au naturel. She took a moment to absorb the blow. Seth had been such a good and decent man, as well as funny and cute. He’d been so full of life and plans that sometimes it was still hard to believe he was really gone.

When Maddie arrived a short time later to pick her up, Sydney felt like she looked as good as she ever would. She’d done her best to shake off the rough moment with the mascara. It occurred to her then that the rough moments were happening less and less often. Oddly, that made her sad.

While she knew it was healthy to be recovering from the initial burst of horrible grief, she also felt guilty. What right did she have to be getting on with her life when her children would never have any life? When sweet, wonderful Seth was gone forever?

“You look gorgeous, Syd,” Maddie said, hugging her.

“So do you.” Maddie had worn a gauzy maternity top over white Capri pants.

“I look like a beached whale,” Maddie said with a snort.

“A very pretty beached whale.”

“Gee, thanks.”

Sydney gave Buddy a pat on the head and a kiss to the snoot. “Be a good boy while I’m gone.”

He sat and watched with those solemn eyes as she went out the door with Maddie.

“He’s so adorable,” Maddie said. “Such a good boy.”