Rob didn’t come home that night, so Gracie got to sleep with Bryan in the big bed. She snuggled close to his chest and slept soundly, happy to be able to sleep with him again.
Earlier, they had gone for their nightly walk. She watched Bryan closely to see if he still seemed sad. She had tried to cheer him up by running back and forth and barking to let him know there was an animal nearby. That usually made him laugh and say she was a silly beagle, but not tonight. That made Gracie feel bad.
When the ringy thing that told Bryan to get up went off, he reached out and slapped it so it would stop. Gracie got up, stretched, and sat facing him. Maybe today he would feel better. When he didn’t open his eyes, she patted him with her paw. He smiled but kept his eyes closed. She patted him again a
