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Happy toddler talk woke Myrtle at six o’clock. She pulled on bright blue knit pants and a knit top and peered into Jack’s room. He stood on his bed, watching Myrtle suspiciously. It was nearly dawn, the only time of day for a walk when the weather was scorching. “Mama?” he asked.
“Oh, we don’t need Mama right now, Mr. Jack. We’re going to have ourselves a happy walk.”
Jack, still eyeing Myrtle with puzzlement, clutched his lovey, Dirty Doggy, in a chubby hand. Dirty Doggy’s filth had reached epic proportions and Jack’s attachment showed no signs of easing up. This morning Dirty Doggy was sporting the evidence of Jack’s dinner last night. According to Dirty Doggy’s coat, Jack had feasted on pureed peas and had, as usual, insisted on his friend’s presence with him as he ate.
Dir
