When Shep learned to talk, he couldn’t say Neko’s name. He called her “Gee-ko” and that’s what he’s called her every day since. Obviously, he could say it if he wanted to, but it’s become habit. It’s his name for her.
How very fitting that as the new year sits just around the corner, he seems to be leaving “Gee-ko” behind. I heard the first proper “Neko” today, and it seems to be sticking. I don’t know whether to smile or cry.