Fifty-three

After letting Buddy out for the second time I leave her locked inside my room while I prepare breakfast for Cameron. He barely says a word as I move about the kitchen. His eyes are full of curiosity, but he occupies himself with the black cup of coffee as I finish the eggs and toast.

“Where’s your shadow?”

“Upstairs.”

“Don’t worry about me, let her out.”

“She gets too riled up in new spaces, once you’re gone I will let her explore.”

Once the steamy plate of eggs touches the table he pulls in and thanks me. We might not have been able to get along before but now we can at least civil towards each other. He praised my food and I smiled, we talked a little about nothing at all and then continue eating in silence.

“McKinnon came by.” Until he said that. I froze, my fork in mid-air, his expression serious. “He almost walked into your bedroom.” An awkward silence followed until we both heard a loud bark coming from upstairs.

“Buddy.” He nodded.

“That would have stopped anyone.”

I had b