Our family pet keeps me company when I’m home alone.

Some of you may remember that I was opposed to owning and taking care of our pet. I was not happy when Emmy received Stripe and Spotty for her birthday; no one had consulted me about this gift. In the end, I embraced the fish. A week later, Spotty was no longer with us. Stripe proved to be the hardier fish.

Nine months later, I admit that I talk to Stripe when I walk by his tank. Lily runs to the fish tank as soon as she walks in the door after school to say “Hi!” to Stripe. At dinner time, the whole family asks each other, “Who fed Stripe?” He comes up to the top of the tank and blows bubbles when we come to feed hime. He’s one smart little fish.

Cutest fish EVER!

The other evening, I sat on the couch to read. As I glanced over at the fish tank,  I panicked when I thought I saw Stripe floating at the top of the water. As I hurried over to check on him, Stripe swam around and looked at me as if I were a crazy lady. He was perfectly fine.

Maybe I am a crazy lady; a crazy FISH lady.

All I know is, when it’s Stripe’s time to leave this earth, it will be awfully hard to replace him.