“Hello Logan, the vet says earliest she can see Mimi is Monday. Can I take the day off to take her in?”

  “Yeah that’s OK, I’ll see you on Tuesday.”

  The text exchange had happened over the weekend. It was brief; Logan loved to chat on the phone, but it seemed like with Ever, he preferred to get to the point. His eyes flicked up to the battery icon in the top right of his phone. 30% left. It hadn’t taken him long to realize that devices constantly needed power. That was a bit hard to find in a treehouse in the middle of a cemetery.

  A new text popped up:

  Reminder of your appt with Dr Zoe Regali at 10:00. Text back NO if you cannot attend.

  Ever closed the messages app on his phone and looked at the time: 9:17. It just so happened that ‘Vets R Us’ was in between Mary’s house and Pagoto’s, but a bit closer to the ice cream shop… which was where he wasn’t right now.

  “Mimi, come on,” Ever said, slipping the phone into his pocket. “We’re going to miss your appointment.” Ever stood in the middle of the living room where he’d reaped Mary’s soul. With the power cut off to the house, the only light filtering into the room was gossamer soft sunbeams, illuminating dust flecks dancing near the old sofa.

  The dog poked her head out from underneath the sofa, big brown eyes gazing up at Ever.

  ^I don’t want to anymore.^ This came through as a long whine.

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  Ever put his arms on his hips, then immediately let them relax at his side. Whenever Taylor did that, he knew that something annoyed her. That wasn’t the impression he wanted to give to Mimi. He crouched then, maintaining eye contact with the dog, sat and crossed his legs. He didn’t say anything. All he did was maintain the connection with her.

  Mimi came out slightly, then went back under the lacey coverings.

  “What if I were to carry you?” Ever asked.

  The dachshund darted out, little brown tail wagging. ^You would carry me all the way to the vet? I’m heavy though.^ A few tentative barks, before she shook her head and body, as if loosening up.

  Ever smiled. “I’m sure I’ll manage.”

  —--

  “Will you stop squirming!”

  ^You’re not holding me properly!^ A bark followed by a growl that vibrated through her tummy into his hand. He couldn’t blame her for being unhappy. With Maps open on his phone in one hand, his other could only keep her steady in an underhand grip, with her head and backside squirming about.

  “We’re not that far off,” Ever said, panting slightly. “Five minutes away.”

  ^Let me go, I’m going to walk myself.^ Three barks.

  “You’re sure you won’t run away?”

  ^I’m sure.^ It came out as a growl, which didn’t really convince Ever. Nevertheless, he squatted, letting the dog dribble out of his hand onto her front paws.

  “Vets R Us is ahead on the right hand side.” The Maps app said. He glanced at the time in the top-right: 9:58. He breathed a sigh of relief. I wonder if they sell leashes?