^I don’t want to be put on a leash!^ Mimi kept a distance and yapped at Ever, doing her best job at sounding aggressive.

  Ever put his hands on his hips, doing his best job at looking authoritative. “Come on. Once we get to the dog park, I’ll take it off.”

  ^I’ve never had to be put on a leash before.^ More barking, but Ever could hear from her tone that she was more playing now than arguing.

  “What better time to start than now!” Ever got on all fours. He was still higher up than Mimi was, but at least he didn’t tower over her.

  She rolled onto her back, looking up at him with those soft, brown eyes. ^Rub my tummy first.^

  —--

  ^Th-thanks for h-holding onto me,^ Mimi was attempting to bark but the violent shivers that vibrated along her long body turned these into yips.

  Ever was wearing a puffer jacket that he had also picked up on discount when Taylor took him date shopping. Even so, he was also shivering slightly, no thanks to the stiff, westerly gale that heralded the winter sailing into the bay. It had been nearly two weeks since he’d heard from Taylor. She wouldn't leave without saying bye... would she? Maybe I should text her…

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  Mimi twisted around, momentarily reminding Ever of the hotdogs idly turning on the roller that fated day they met.

  ^There are other dogs here, I can smell them. Take off the leash!^

  Ever looked up. She was right, they had already made it to Princes Park. How many months had he been on Earth now? Five? Six? He still didn’t understand how time could seem to sprint some days and limp on others. Here and there, dogs bounded about while their owners buried their chins into scarves or collars. The moment he released the clasp from her collar, she leaped out of his arms.

  ^Freedom!^ She woofed triumphantly, crashing awkwardly on the grass before getting back up and dashing away, her cocktail sausage legs a blur.

  The first dog she ran up to was a Great Dane. She danced around the much larger dog, trying to get her to play with her. Seeing that she wasn’t too interested, she tried smelling her behind to get to know the much larger animal; alas, her vertical impairment meant that she was doomed to only befriend chihuahuas, shi-tzus, poodles and other dogs of similar stature. She ran back to Ever, writhing around on the grass.

  “What happened to being cold?” Ever said with a grin.

  ^When I run around, I get hot,^ she barked quite matter-of-factly.

  Ever cupped his hands to his mouth, blowing into them while scanning the park. This would be a nice place to have a stroll with Zoe. I wonder when she’s next available?

  There was a brown flash at his feet; Mimi had put herself between him and someone walking towards him.

  ^Get back, Ever!^