"Hachiko": The Writers' Spotlight

Hachiko

I was surprised that they were giving me away when I was a small pup, only a few months old. A man that I didn’t know took me to the professor, at least that’s what people called him.. Many people called him either “Professor” or by his real name, Eisaburo Ueno. I was both excited and nervous to meet my new owner. I was told that I was a gift to his daughter. I didn’t bother to listen to her name for I was going to be given to someone anyway! The professor called me “Hachiko.” I was told that it was because my legs were only slightly crooked. He said that it represented kanji which meant 8 in Japanese. It was pronounced “Hachi” and so the name was given to me. Soon, the professor's daughter grew up, got married, and started living a happy life. So, as expected, I was alone with the professor and his wife. Honestly, I think he was quite fond of me, so he decided to keep me instead. Every day, my owner went by train to work. Of course, I accompanied him in the mornings at Shibuya Train Station while he waited for the train to come. Every afternoon, I went back to meet him when he returned. Many others called me a loyal pup, but I really wasn’t sure about that, I just loved being around my owner a lot, that’s all!

One day, my master did not come. I kept waiting, but he still did not arrive. Without giving up hope, I continued waiting...and waiting...and waiting. I went back home waiting for my owner there, but I still couldn’t find him. I was told that he died, but I continued waiting. I didn’t care what anyone said. Day after day, I went to the station and continued waiting for him. The days turned into months, into years. I waited for nine long years. Whether it was rain, snow, or hot beating sunshine, I still did not lose hope. I patiently kept waiting. One day everyone said that they would build a statue of me showing admiration of my loyalty, and they did. I didn’t care, I kept waiting. Humans soon started calling me “The Faithful Dog”. I’ve got to say, it was rather catchy, but I didn’t show any care. I just wanted my owner back.

A year later. I started feeling really tired. More tired than usual. I kept waiting as usual. Then, I suddenly closed my eyes. Abruptly, out of nowhere, I saw my master. He was calling to me. I ran up to him and gave him a big, wet lick on the cheek. I looked all around me, there was light everywhere, the floor felt fluffier than usual, but I didn’t care, all I cared about was that I was with my owner.

Nothing else mattered at all.

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