I thought our family vacation was a fresh start, but when I returned from the pool, Matt was gone, leaving only a note that read, “I have to disappear. Soon, you’ll understand.” I was left confused and worried, especially with Matt’s daughters asking about him. Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t reach him, and we returned home to find a puppy waiting for us.
The note with the puppy revealed Matt’s surprising reason for disappearing: he had seen an ad for St. Bernard puppies and rushed to adopt one as a surprise, knowing how much I loved my childhood dog, Max. His sudden departure had been to bring joy to our lives.
Matt returned home later, apologetic but happy to see the girls excited about their new puppy, Max Jr. Though I was initially angry, the joy on their faces melted my frustration. I couldn’t stay mad—especially with such a sweet surprise and a life full of love ahead.