^Thanks Ever!^

  Mimi buried her face in the dry food. She got a mouthful, crunching happily before diving back in for your second bite.

  Ever stood up, stretched and groaned. Maybe buying such a big bag of dog food and walking twenty minutes with it on his shoulder wasn’t such a great idea. He pulled out his phone and swivelled it around. 8:31am. Still got a bit of time.

  He started wandering, floorboards creaking in curiosity. It was almost like the old house was holding its breath, waiting for new life before it would exhale. After doing a round of all the rooms, he came back to the living room, shuffling across to the curtains behind Mary’s armchair. It’s dark today. Ever pulled them open, sending dust puffing across the arm chair.

  “What do you do all day?” Ever asked the little, brown dog.

  ^I go outside, roll in the grass, make sure birds stay away, walk out and visit my friends, come back in, take a nap…^ sporadic barks, with panting to mark the end of the list.

  Ever smiled faintly. It wasn’t his idea of a fun day, but then again he was the one who found enjoyment in balancing two different jobs. He grabbed his tote bag, looping his arm through it before hanging it off his shoulder.

  ^Are you leaving already?^ A whine. She ignored her food for a moment, trotted over and looked up at him, standing as tall as her little legs would allow.

  “Yeah. I can’t be late, Logan’s not going to be happy.”

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  ^The other guy?^

  “Yeah, where I work.”

  ^Couldn’t you just…^ a couple barks, followed by questioning growl, ^not go?^ her tail wagged hopefully.

  “No, I have to.”

  ^Why?^

  “I…” Ever trailed off. “I’m not sure.” When Taylor was there, he had a good reason to go to work. Despite the ups and downs, she was his friend. Even Chaos with all of his instability ended up being someone who he was grateful for at the end. Logan was his boss. Did that make him his friend?

  ^Who’s going to take me for walks?^

  Ever refocused on the pooch. “I thought you just said that you went walking yourself.”

  ^Yeah, but…^ she lay down, resting her snout on her paws. ^It’s not the same as walking with someone.^

  “I really have to go now.” Ever turned on his heel and started heading out. Making sure the key was in his pocket, he pulled the door shut behind him. Mimi burst out of the dog flap and trailed him, her stumpy legs a blur.

  ^Ever, Ever!^

  “What, what?”

  ^I’ve got an idea.^

  The flaking, rusted gate protested as Ever pushed it open.

  ^Hey!^ A string of three barks, as loud as she could manage. ^Wait a second!^

  “Sorry Mimi, I’ve really got to-”

  ^Why don’t you move in with me?^