Wow. This was lovely. Just as heartbreaking as the original, but in a completely different way. I couldn't help but think of The Velveteen Rabbit when I read this, (one of my favorite stories as a child) ...with Death in the role of the Flower Fairy. Lol.

The Impala really has a voice here, so nurturing and yet loyal and devoted, like a faithful pet, but so much more...

Wonderful.