The flickering fluorescent light cast long, somber shadows across the makeshift wake. Among the hushed mourners, a figure sat motionless on a plastic chair, her head bowed, a silent testament to enduring devotion. This was Maru, a small, unassuming dog whose loyalty to her departed owner, Aling Nena, transcended the finality of death. Unlike the ebb and flow of human grief, Maru’s sorrow was a constant, palpable presence, a raw and unwavering vigil that captivated all who witnessed it. For three days and two nights, she had barely stirred from her chosen spot beside the coffin, a stark contrast to the bustling activity around her. The fragrant wreaths, the somber hymns, the whispered condolences – all faded into the background for Maru, whose world had shrunk to the sacred space beside the woman who had loved her unconditionally.
Maru’s story, however, began not with quiet sorrow, but with a dramatic rescue years prior. Aling Nena, a kind-hearted widow, had found Maru as a shivering, malnourished stray, abandoned in a torrential downpour. Despite her meager resources, Aling Nena nursed the pup back to health, sharing her modest meals and offering a warmth Maru had never known. Their bond was immediate and profound, a silent pact of unconditional love. Aling Nena often joked that Maru was her shadow, faithfully trailing her through the bustling market or patiently waiting by the door whenever she left.
The first twist in Maru’s unwavering vigil came on the second night. A distant cousin of Aling Nena, concerned for the dog’s health, attempted to gently coax Maru away from the coffin with a bowl of her favorite food. Maru, usually eager for a treat, recoiled, letting out a low, mournful whimper. Her eyes, usually soft and brown, held a fierce, almost protective glint. It was clear: she was not merely grieving, but guarding.
