8
She flew downstairs and flung open the door. Across the lawn, a black shape sprawled like a spreading ink stain. Dragon. Tobias crouched over him.
She stumbled down the steps of the front stoop and launched herself toward the two of them. "Oh my God, poor Dragon, poor baby, what happened?" She dropped to her knees next to the two of them. A weird whining cough came from the dog's chest, as if he was trying to cough something out.
"Something's stuck in his throat. We have to get it out or he'll suffocate."
Tobias manhandled him onto his side. His furry limbs sprawled awkwardly and scrabbled against Tobias’s arms, leaving long scratches.
"I need you to hold him while I try to get it out. Come here and take my place."
Her heart hammering, she slid next to Tobias, feeling his iron thig
