space for pictures of richard before she passed away :( EDIT 2022: circled out my face for fear it might not be allowed anymore on this site
richard, the very first rat we got, belonged to a classroom before my sister got to take her home and keep the silly little darling. richard was always so timid, i remember, but was so sweet and shy that your heart melted when you saw her little head peek through hair or clothing. probably the most adventurous rat, that little rascal, managing to climb up under the recliner! we will miss you, richard. almost two years we've raised you, and in all of those almost two years-- i've felt the happiest since you were in my life. i hope that you and meesha are getting in all sorts of trouble somewhere where ever you two silly rats are now at. probably breaking out of cages and sneaking into drawers! it's pretty early for me, so this is not near as good as it could be. i'm still in shock, having discovered her body by her cage in a shoe box when i opened the door to my father's office. we all knew this was coming, and my dad even told me last night as i tried to get some sleep how she wasn't doing so well and was on her last breath. i was so tired and selfish about getting sleep for once that i just stayed in my bed and did nothing about it! i feel terrible about that. i stayed with richard's body for about an hour when i found her because i didn't want to abandon her like i did last night when she needed me the most. nobody else is awake in my house, so i have no one to comfort me at the moment. i'm making this project for support and to just notify you guys why i'm down in the dumps again. it stinks because i finally was happy again and on the top of the world, but now that happiness is gone and replaced with the guilt of abandoning you. i love you, richard. we all do. RIP <3
