Dear Denny,

Oh, I've waited so long to talk to you. No words can describe the aspirations I felt to break free of my canine body and speak with humans. If such a time occurred, imagine what we could have done. We could've talked about the Italian Grand Prix, where Ayrton Senna had once raced the worn tracks of Monza. We could've laughed with joy at tapes of Zoë and Eve and your race at Laguna. We could've raced together, side by side. You would've shown me how to take the curves, conquer the track. And I would've been there, cheering you on. So many things I might've mentioned: crows, the zebra, the smell of Eve's illness.

Yet my sloppy tongue could not form syllables. This letter will have to do. You see, I feel like I owe an explanation for why I stuck around so long, leeching off your small amount of money. I continued to live on even though my legs, stomach, and mind were failing me. But I had a mission. No stiff legs could stop me, nor could a car kill me, for I had to see you through, Denny. I would not die as long as I had a purpose to serve. So this is my one final message to you.

The Denny I saw after Eve's death was not you. He was a shadow of his former self, no longer the man who takes the wheel and manifests his destiny. He was the zebra that represents a person at their worst, the zebra that resided on the cap of his pen as he tried to sign that horrible, life-ruining settlement. The real you, the master of racing in the rain, would never give up. You would push through, no matter the dire conditions.

You needed to be revived, pulled out from the rubble. I saw it through. Grabbing those evil papers between my teeth was a conscious decision. Running with them despite the protests and grabs was a conscious decision. And, yes, despite the pain, I was in control when I lunged out the window and onto the porch. You laughed and realized your original goal. You were still there—the real Denny. When we approached that temptress Annika, I kneeled and nuzzled her affectionately. I hated it. But you were golden. Patient. Understanding. You stared at the woman who threatened your whole life and spoke softly to her. This is who Denny is. That which we manifest is before us.

No longer is anything keeping me here. My purpose is fulfilled. We had a good run since the day you picked me from a litter of pups. I was happy to watch TV, watch you. I learned many things. And I saw you become a champion. Yes, a champion. On the track, you shine like no other. You look where you want to go, and the tires of your car simply obey. But you are also a champion for Zoë. You are a safe haven for her, a stone pillar. You take the wheel and guide your family through life. And you will continue to do this in Italy, no doubt. For that I am happy. And for this memento, these words from my state of death, I am happy.

There's this fantastic documentary about dogs in Mongolia. It says that when a dog dies, his soul escapes and he becomes a man. I educated and trained myself. I garnered as much information as I could. My time is now. I am ready.

Goodbye for now,

Enzo