Stepbrothers

The stepbrothers, one dark-haired and the other blond, became inseparable. Blackie had a miscreant streak, talked a big game but would run at any sign of trouble. Blondie, sweet, easy going and courageous never backed down.  

As they entered senescence, a stroke robbed Blondie of his mobility but not his spirit. Blackie gamely soldiered on.  

 When Blondie crossed the rainbow bridge, Blackie took it poorly. Lost his appetite, slept all day, moped around, eyes glazed over, luxurious coat turned dull and lifeless. 

 A year later, he crossed the bridge to join his brother. 

 Grief is not only a human thing.