Oh, boy! A bone! I love bones. I take it over to gnaw on in front of the cube door. This is the best place to see the entire yard.

Graig looks at me and bares his teeth — a smile. His happy look. Sometimes he gives me a treat when I smile back, so I’m good at that now.

I know you think I am a bad
boy, a bad dog, Bang-Bang told him
with a pointed stare. He placed his
paw in his Tall One’s hand. But
know that I am with you. That I will
not leave you.

Clear skies, cousin". Good luck, he means. There are never clear skies on Avon, no blue, no stars. But we don't give up hope, and we use those words to remind ourselves. Clear skies will come, one day.

But when there's no hope to be found anywhere, even the tiniest chance is worth taking.

... But my voice is too soft. The wind picks up my words and swallows them whole.