Gia

(Graphite on Moleskine Large Sketchbook 5x8")

My wife bought a hamster 2 years ago. I thought it was silly because it's just a hamster, not a cat or a dog. She was such a tiny little thing. She didn't eat a lot back then, but she ran a lot...especially at night. She loved her wheel, and her ball.
When my wife's at school, I was with Gia at home the whole time. I'd feed her everyday(I didn't know I wasn't supposed to) and she started to get picky and only ate sunflower seeds because she realized she's got endless supply of those. I spoiled her, she got fat, like a ball of fluff, the cutest little thing ever.
Gia came with us whenever we spend more than 3 days away from home. She hated being in a car, constant movement of her cage was no fun to her at all. She wouldn't come out from her little cage after every road trip, and the fact that we moved twice in 2 years didn't help either. Gia never escaped out of her cage, even when you have her doors wide open. She didn't like to be held or pet either, she's shy all the time
Just about half a year ago, I started to realize that Gia actually "talked" back when you talk to her. She made these cute squeeky and clicking sounds, especially when she's happy that you give her lots of sunflower seed and treats. Just months ago she started to let us pet her, very gently, but she still didn't like it all that much, so we thought we finally tamed the wild beast in the house.
About a week ago, Gia didn't look good. She hadn't been eating a lot.. and her eyes were shut, showing signs of exhaustion. She was frail and weak, having hard time moving around or climbing up her little platform. She's tired, she's old, she needed rest. But she still wanted to move to us when she saw us in the house. And after 2 days fighting natural aging, she gave up, right after my wife telling her it's okay, she could go rest now. I was worried at work, but prepared. We gave her a proper burial in our new backyard, her own little spot.
I caught myself looking at her empty cage everytime I walk pass it... and I would whisper in my own breath..."Gia...."
Gia is not just a hamster, or just another pet. She's family, and she will always have a special place in our hearts, together with her little brother Oni.