Missing My Dog Back Home

Since moving into my dorm last month, I've felt like something's missing. There are moments when the silence is just too much, and it hits me that there's no longer a furry little ball of energy running around to greet me at my door or pounce on my books as soon as I take them out. Every time I come home from class, I half-expect to see Rover waiting for me, wagging his tail and nuzzling under my hand like he always used to. It's been so quiet without him here with me that I've started leaving the window open at night, hoping maybe some of his bark or the rustle of leaves will drift through the air into my room, reminding me it’s not just me out here anymore. He was more than a pet; he was my constant companion during college application stresses and late nights cramming for exams, always there with an extra nudge to keep going when I felt like giving up. It's strange now being without that familiar presence, but every day I tell myself it will get better, that maybe soon I’ll be able to bring him here too.