Dawn Visitor
Ellie woke slowly, sound and motion pulling her out of hazy dreams. Disconnected from her body, adrift in time.
Sensation returned step by tiny step. A soft bed under her body, heavy covers over it. Warm and secure except for her chilly nose.
An odd breezy noise, a steady wind that puffed high and low, the changes faster than she could count.
She realized the sound was breathing, more like panting, coming from the general area of her own neck.
Her neck was warmer than the rest of her, too, and…hairy?
“Toby?” she whispered.
The movement intensified, and Ellie smiled, halfway opening her eyes. Toby did have his black and white head hanging over her neck. Her body swayed with his hundred-mile-an-hour wagging tail.
She turned onto her back with a groan. As soon as her face
