It was a cool August evening in the city of Sanfransisco. The beginnings of a classic California Sunset were starting to take place in the sky, tinting the usual clear blue with soft orange and pink streaks.  In down town sanfransisco, “The Flea Bite” was starting its evening rush hour, bartenders were sliding glasses down the counter of the bar, the band was playing a mellow jazz tune, and the waiters were taking orders.

It had been five months since Charlie met Sasha at the flea bite, and this was the first time they had been back since then. The German Shepherd Mix and the Irish Setter had recently gotten engaged, so a visit to flea bite was the perfect way to celebrate. “Aaaahhh…I’m so glad we finally get a night to ourselves” Sasha mused. “I can drink to that” Charlie joked, as they walked up to the bar and ordered two draft beers. Sasha cracked a smile at his joke, and took a dainty sip of her drink “the old place hasn’t changed at all has it?” she said, glancing around the bar.

“That’s true, I’m really glad it hasn’t” Charlie replied “Itchy would have been glad too”. A shadow cast over Sasha’s face, “I’m sure he would have, but I’m sure he is enjoying it up there in heaven”. “Yeah” Charlie replied.

“Good Evening, everyone, and welcome to the flea bite” an announcer onstage said, everyone clapped. “Let’s kick off the evening then! What a treat I’ve got for you tonight ladies and gentle dogs, She’s only been here for a little while but she can definitely bring down the house, may I present to you, the one, the only, the lovely Britta Canidae!”.  A cheer rose up from the bar as the band began to play, a shadow could be seen behind a curtain on the stage, and then, a beautiful female voice filled the room. 

“When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary… When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence” A young German shepherd collie mix with stunning blue eyes and light brown fur stepped out from behind the curtain “ Until you come and sit awhile with me.” A look of utter shock spread over Charlie’s face, he stared at the girl on stage “no…it couldn’t be…” he whispered to himself, Sasha glanced over at him “what?” she whispered. “I’m sorry Sasha…its just…its just that she looks so…familiar…I swear I’ve met her somewhere before” Charlie replied.

“I think you’ve had one too many drinks, Charlie” Sasha said.

Charlie racked his memory, were had he met that girl before? And how come she was here? “You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders; You raise me up: To more than I can be.”

“You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains…You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;” the girl sang, walking down the steps of the stage and into the audience “I am strong, when I am on your shoulders; You raise me up: To more than I can be.”  The singer came by were Charlie and Sasha were sitting.

“There is no life-“the girl’s eyes met Charlie’s eyes. Her Expression changed; her face seemed to say ‘I know you from some were’. “No Life without its hunger…each restless heart; beats so imperfectly” she sang. “But when you come and I am filled with wonder, Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.”

“You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders; You raise me up: To more than I can be.” The singer took a deep breath and the room swelled with the sound of her voice, her high notes having a powerful meaning.

“You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders; You raise me up: To more than I can be.” She finished the song with smoothly, leaving a tingling feeling in the air. The Crowd burst into roaring cheers, the girl smiled and bowed then walked back stage. The band switched gears and changed back to jazzy swing song, and the crowd began to die down and go back to what they were doing. “Wow” Sasha said. Charlie glanced over to his partner “hmm?”

“She’s not half bad” Sasha replied. “Yeah” Charlie said, a hint of distraction in his voice, glancing around the bar, he got up and started to walk away. “Charlie? Charlie where are you going? Charlie? Charlie!!” Sasha called, following him.

Charlie and Sasha swam thru the crowded bar. They finally stopped by the stage. “Britta, babe, I thought you said you were gonna be a bit more seductive? That wasn’t a seductive song, it was annoying ‘feel good’ crap” a male voice  could be heard behind a curtain, “I told you, I’m not a seductress, I’m an artist” a female voice said, “yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Look Sugar, when our customers come here, they want a hot female singer, not some ‘artist’, ca-peesh?” the male replied.

“What EVER” the female voice said and paw steps could be heard and a girl came out from behind the stage. It was the singer from earlier. She walked down the steps of the stage, when she bumped into Charlie. “Oh geez, I’m sorry, I’m such a klutz, I-“her eyes met Charlie’s eyes. Her face had a shocked look on it, “I’m….I’m sorry to bug you, but…is your name….Charlie Barkin?”

            “Yeah, it is” Charlie Replied. “Oh my god! Charlie! I don’t know if you remember me or not, but I’m Flo’s Niece?” she said. “Flo? The Collie? In the old church? Yeah! Me and you’re aunt were best friends! Oh yeah…Britta! I remember when You and your mom came to visit! You were so young! And…wow! Hey, how is old Flo anyways?” Charlie Replied. The smile left Britta’s face, and a Sad Expression came over her face. “She…She passed away 2 months ago…”

Sasha Frowned “oh Charlie….”.

Charlie’s Smile also left his face, “oh…god…Britta, I’m so sorry”. He and Britta Embraced each other, “It’s alright, she’s in a better place now.”

Charlie had a flashback of heaven, Annabelle, itchy, Gabriel’s horn, everything…..He knew he would have to tell Britta about heaven, for the better of things.

THE END...for now...