Ashes to Ashes

The vet phoned on Thursday to say Sydney was back with them. His beautiful smiling, happy face flashed through my mind, but was immediately checked by the blow of damning, harsh reality.
I'd been coping quite well, in adjusting to life without his physical presence, finding comfort and solace in the warmth of wonderful memories and enduring love. But the return of his earthly remains has set me back, a stark reminder of the physical loss. His ashes will be scattered at home, on his favourite walks, and his beloved Old Hunstanton beach.