Josh stared out the window, watching the world blur past. Beside him, Max, his Great Dane, rested his head on Josh's lap. They were on their way to Grandma's house – a sudden trip, unplanned and unwelcome. Mom had said it was just for a little while, just until Dad got better.

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Max whined softly, sensing Josh's unease. Josh patted his head, drawing comfort from the steady rhythm of Max's breathing.

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Grandma's house was an old Victorian, with a sprawling backyard that Max took to immediately. But for Josh, the house felt like a reminder of why they were there – because Dad was in the hospital, because things were not okay.

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The days passed slowly. Josh would wake up to the sound of Grandma bustling in the kitchen, the smell of coffee and bacon mingling in the air. He'd eat breakfast in silence, Max's head resting on his feet under the table.

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School was a distant memory. Mom said it was a break, a chance for Josh to relax. But relaxation felt like a foreign concept now. His homework sat untouched in his backpack, a reminder of normalcy that seemed so out of reach.

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Max became Josh's shadow, a silent, comforting presence. They'd wander the backyard together, Max chasing squirrels while Josh lost himself in thought. He missed his friends, he missed soccer practice, he missed Dad.

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One afternoon, Grandma found Josh sitting under the old oak tree, Max's large frame curled around him protectively. "Josh," she said gently, "why don't you write a letter to your dad? Tell him about your days here. It might make you feel better."

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Josh considered the idea. That night, he sat at the desk in his room, Max sprawled across the floor. He began to write, telling Dad about Max's new favorite spot in the yard, the way Grandma hummed while she cooked, how the stars looked brighter here than at home.

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He wrote about his fears, too – how he was scared for Dad, how he wished things could go back to normal. Max nuzzled his hand as he wrote, a warm, reassuring presence.

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Days turned into weeks. Josh and Max settled into a routine at Grandma's house. The letter to Dad grew longer, filled with stories and drawings. Josh talked to Dad in the hospital every few days, but the conversations were always too short, too filled with unspoken worries.

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Then, one sunny afternoon, while Josh and Max were exploring the woods behind the house, Grandma called out to them. "Josh! You have a call!"

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It was Mom. "Your dad's awake, Josh. He's asking for you."

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The world seemed to brighten in an instant. Josh shouted the news to Max, who barked happily, echoing Josh's excitement.

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They made the trip back to the hospital the next day. Max wasn't allowed inside, so he waited in the car with Grandma. Josh clutched the now thick envelope containing the letter to Dad as he walked into the hospital room.

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Dad looked different – tired and pale – but when he smiled at Josh, it was the same warm smile that had always made everything better. "Hey, champ," Dad said softly.

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Josh handed him the envelope. "I wrote to you. Me and Max, we've been waiting for you to get better."

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Dad's eyes filled with tears as he began to read. Josh told him about everything – the backyard adventures, Grandma's cooking, the quiet moments with Max. He told him about his fears, too, and how Max had been his constant companion through it all.

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"It sounds like Max has been taking good care of you," Dad said, smiling.

Josh nodded. “He's the best. I wish he could see you."

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Dad's smile widened. "Maybe we can arrange a little visit. I'd like to thank him myself."

A few days later, Grandma brought Max into the hospital garden. Dad was there, in a wheelchair, a blanket over his knees. Max bounded towards him, tail wagging furiously.

Dad laughed, a sound Josh hadn't realized he'd missed so much. "Good boy, Max," Dad said, scratching behind Max's ears. "Thank you for looking after my boy."

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Josh watched, a warm feeling spreading through his chest. Max had been more than just a pet; he'd been a friend, a protector, a source of comfort in a time of chaos.

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As they drove back to Grandma's house, with Dad this time, Josh felt a sense of peace. Things were still uncertain, but with Max by his side and Dad getting better, he felt like they could face anything.

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Max rested his head on Josh's lap, a gentle giant who had shouldered so much of his pain. Josh leaned down, whispering, "Thanks, Max. We made it through, didn't we?"

Max responded with a soft bark, as if to say, "Yes, we did."

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And in that moment, Josh knew that no matter what the future held, with Max and his family by his side, everything would be alright.

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