Entering the room I was greeted warmly. I smiled at them, but my eyes were focussed only on your chair, it was empty, as it had been for several days.
Quietly I ask "has Master been here?"
"Yes" one replied, "He was here but could not stay" I had missed you, I felt lost and disappointed. My heart sank; you had left me no message. Was this a test of my loyalty? Or were you so busy that I had slipped your mind.
I sat on the couch, As your pupil I feel unworthy to sit by your chair. Feeling sad and confused, I leant my head against the back, tears welling. The voices in the room flowing around me. My eyes closed, I had not slept much of late and I was tired.
Suddenly the door opened. And all eyes turned to watch as you strode into the room. You greet those there, and bend to kiss those sitting by your chair. You sit in your chair, and your eyes sweep the room. I say shyly
"Hello Sir."
You smile and say " come sit by my chair little one" Smiling at you, I joined the others at our feet. You hadn't forgotten me.
The general chat continued. Someone added a log to the fire, drinks were passed around. But I was only focussed on you.
Suddenly "Excuse me, I will be back" and first one and then the other of the two closest to you, rose and left the room. Oh no, I know what this means.
You bend and whisper in my ear "Stay here, little one, I will be busy for a time, but I will return"
"Yes Sir" I reply.
You stride from the room. The door closes behind you. The chat continues and I try to concentrate but my eyes often stray to the door.
I wait I watch the door. I chat but my eyes continually stray to the door Time slowly passes.
Finally the door opens, I look up expectantly, but only the ones closest to you come out. They sit at your chair. I am disappointed but I smile at them, Then one leans down and whispers "Master wants to see you now".
I look up, excitement races through my body, I stand and seem to float across the room. I get to the door, I take a deep breath. I know this is where I will be tested, am I up to it. I want with all my heart to please you.
I enter, I have never been in this room before, but I focus on you. You sit on your chair. a collar and lead in your hand, I stand mesmerised, what does this mean.