Write about a time when you lost someone or something dear to you. How did that experience affect you?

Milo entered my life when I was nine. He was more than just a pet—he was part of my family, my best friend and my source of comfort. Milo, who never failed to stay by my side whenever I was stressed; who would sit with me by the window and watch the world go by. I loved him dearly, but that care for him slowly vanished as I grew older. Looking back, I realised with a heavy heart: I had taken him for granted. 

At first, I did all the things I needed to do for him, and more. I fed him, played with him, and took pictures of him everyday. However, as I got older, life got busier. School became my top priority. Friends and social media took up my time, and I started treating Milo like he was always around but no longer important. I would walk past him without stopping to pet him, ignore all his quiet whines, and sometimes even forget to fill his bowl. I always thought I had more time. I always thought he would be there tomorrow... but I was wrong.

One evening, I opened my house gate, expecting a barking dog to greet me. However, the house was unusually quiet. Milo was laying on the floor, motionless. When I called his name, there was no movement. Heart pounding like an untamed horse, I rushed to his side. His breathing was shallow, his eyes half-closed. It was too late. He had been sick, quietly suffering, and I did not even notice. 

That moment—seeing him take his last breath in my arms—was burned into my memory. It was a story missing its Hollywood happy ending. I could not stop thinking about all the times when I brushed past him or ignored him, telling myself that I would cuddle him later. But that later never came. 

Losing Milo broke something in me, but it also taught me something that I would never forget—never take time for granted. The people or pets that we assume will always be there can vanish without warning. The guilt of "I should have…" lingers long after the goodbye. 

Now, whenever I am with people I love, I try to be more present. I put my phone down when my parents talk to me. I give full attention to my friends when we are together. Although Milo may no longer be with me physically, his memory walks beside me everyday. In the quiet moments when I miss him the most, I remind myself to love harder, be kinder, and never let the day pass without showing that I care—because I know that when love is expressed, it can outlive loss. That is the greatest lesson Milo left me with.