MADISON'S P.O.V.

Although that August was not in the best state to drive, he insisted on driving me and Madeline - and Charlie - to the orphanage. He figured that Charlie was our dog. The talking animals agreed that one must tag along for the long ride to keep an eye on us in case that their evil rivals - whom they believed were involved in the killing - attacked us - and maybe kill the three of us. Madeline and I were already in too deep. We saw the man's fresh corpse in person. We knew the good animals' secret, as well as the sinister ones'. If the sinister animals should be called animals. More like monsters.

I was in the passenger seat, so I could barely hear what Madeline and Charlie were whispering about. I wanted to ask my twin what she was gossiping about. But I did not want her to make herself look insane in front of the detective. I smirked. Charlie was hilarious and playful! Watching how he and his pals operate made the desire of wanting a pet grow. I wanted me and my dear sister to share a pet - because caring for one would give me a lot more unnecessary stress. I am not lazy. Okay, okay. Maybe a little. But Madeline and I are stressed enough - since that we are praying every second of every day of being adopted by the same family.

We will not survive if we are separated.

"I still cannot understand how you sweet girls have yet to be adopted," August said in his calm voice, stopping his car at a stop sign. He was grinning, but deep inside, he was full of sorrow. He was grieving for his innocent, loving son. Chance's biggest dream was officially being a part of the police force. He dreamed of being a cop to protect the town. Stop the evildoers in their tracks and help the kind-hearted townsfolk.

Now he never could only because a group of protesters cared more about their message than a sweet child. My stomach lurched just pondering the words.

I really wanted to do something for August. Something to knock his socks off. And to let him know that he will never be alone again. Madeline and I will be his closest friends. We will drop everything to be there for August when he needs it.

I wonder if any of the protesters feel guilty for killing a child.

"How all orphans - I mean, children, sorry - have yet to be taken in by families with so much love that it can be overwhelming," August continued. The car crossed the intersection. He sighed and let out a short yawn.

"Do not fall asleep on us," I said, regretting letting him drive. "My twin and I do not know the first thing about driving. And the dog surely cannot drive."

Charlie put his paws on my seat and whispered in clear English. "You three are in good hands. Not only are we talking animals...well, talk and understand you, but we can also do everyday stuff that humans do. Like drive."

"How can you drive?" Madeline whispered back. "Your paws were not made for driving. No offense."

He sat back in his seat and wagged his tail. "My friends - the animals that you have seen so far - are trained for intense moments like these. We learned different ways of performing human activities." He rested one paw on her hand. "I have operated a vehicle more times than I can count on my large paws. But I can say for sure that it has been more than ten times. Eight fingers with two thumbs on the human hands comes to ten."

Charlie turned his bottom towards Madeline and lifted his bushy tail.

"Mind if you scratch my butt? Please? It itches."

"You are an intelligent dog," I whispered. "More than a normal intelligent dog. So why do you not scratch your own butt?"

"Not easy scratching your back or butt when created to stand on all fours. Besides, I love your human touch. It makes me feel like a good boy."

"It is fine, Madison," Madeline whispered. "He earns it for all his hard work." She scratched his butt.

I know that she is an animal lover...but I never thought that she would scratch a dog's butt. A talking dog's!

Thankfully, Charlie did not need to take the wheel. The detective safely returned us to the orphanage without a wink. Still, I was worried. What if sleep took him while he drove the rest of the way to his small house? What if he crashed - and died? I could not live with the guilt.

"Are you whispering about your dog's butt?" he asked.

"Charlie's butt itches, so Madeline is scratching it. And he is liking it," I quickly replied before Madeline could.

August chuckled. "Dogs are so spoiled. All pets are. My son said that he would get a K-9 and maybe a different dog when he was a cop. Dogs were his favorite animals - except pitbulls. He was never fond of pitbulls because of how violent they can be. Neither do I. I do not blame them. Aggressiveness is in their blood. In my strongest opinion, they should not be pets. They can turn against you any time. They do not need a reason."

"I wholeheartedly agree. Right, Madeline?"

Even an animal lover has common sense and limits.

The little car stopped in front of the orphanage. August turned off the engine. "You have finally arrived to your destination."

I did not want to return to the orphanage. My twin and I love Providence as a motherly figure and some of our fellow orphans. But we have been cooped up here for a long time. We are sick of this place as nice and spotless as it is. I would rather have stayed with the corpse.

When August climbed out, I asked, "Charlie. Could you please stay with August?"