The dog boy had a cigarette in his mouth.
"Waffle, why are you smoking?" Alicia asked.
"It feels good to me and to break away from stress." He answered.
"When you smoke, I can't breathe fresh air or enjoy your company."
"But it feels like I can't quit, it's an addiction. I need your help Alicia."
"How can I help?"
"Take this pack of cigarettes and throw them away. Don't let me buy any more, no matter how much I beg."
"Okay, but then you'll be mad at me." Her ears drooped.
"Trust me; I'll be better off in the long run."
Alicia threw away the cigarette pack and took out the garbage so Waffle didn't dig through it to get to them. When she returned, she also grabbed his wallet and told him he couldn't buy any more.
"Thanks, Alicia. I love you."
"Anytime but you got to promise me that you won't smoke anymore."
"I feel so much better when you're by my side. I don't ever want to be separated from you. I promise that I'll never smoke another cigarette again, even if someone offers."
"I'm very proud of you and I love you dearly." She kissed him on the forehead.
In the years ahead, Waffle was in better shape than when he had smoked and Alicia couldn't be happier.
The End