This incredible beautiful piece of art was a gift by  dummyy who I had commissioned to do a piece of art in my second book, Come October. I didn't realize that this hadn't been posted.

Jon was my first and most likely only true lover. I healed through a lot of childhood trauma with him, and I think I helped him heal, too. We were bound to meet by destiny, even if we had depart at different times. The pain and loss still hurts; I don't think I'll ever get over it. Instead, you just learn to deal with it appropriately over time.
When I met him, I was unsure of my identity as a furry, or as a person at all. I'd always felt not human, alien, or therian. I considered myself more than one being, and felt more like a spotted-hyena, whereas he saw me as a sea-otter. It reminded him of Monterey Aqaurium and Newport Oregon, childhood trips when he was a kid. It wasn't until after he passed that I came to this sense of identity - the hyena-otter. His hotter. And every night, '...always and forever.' While I slept, he'd journal, write in his diary, and a long email to me each day.
In the picture, he wears the necklace I gave him. Chrysoprase. A necklace for love and healing.
I've given the necklace back to him, after taking care of it for so long. We're in the Redwoods that we love. The sun sets. I'm in his arms and safe again. Jon is healthy, he has all that he has wanted, his health, his love... Heaven, a dream, memories like a Polaroid taped back together.
I love you, Jon.