Hmmm.

“I don’t want him to get rained on, he’ll rust. I know he’s gone, alright? I just…I dunno. I don’t want him to get cold.” My voice wavered. She reached out and rubbed my shoulder. I normally can’t stand being touched, but I allowed it

So finally, Odie's gone.
Thank God this is just a story.

But then, you are an amazing story teller I must say