The little girl has been gone a long time. She always comes back, only to leave again the next day. And the humans are never worried. I suppose it's useless of me to worry. But I'm always excited to see her come home. Instead of waiting by the window I usually sleep. I love to sleep. It gives my hip a chance to rest from all the walking and running I do. My short leg hurts a little bit too. The humans keep giving me meat to swallow whole. And I never taste any yucky pebbles so I suppose it's okay. 

The little girl is gone again today. The woman and the little boy are out for a while. The shorter man is here for a visit! He sits on the floor with me and pets me and plays with me! I love him! His fur is so long! I wonder if he's due for a visit to the groomer's. He always brings me toys too! I wish he would come over every day! 

"Ya' take him out on walks anymore, Mal?"

"On good days. Some days he never leaves the couch. Wonder if his bones are hurtin' him..."

The smaller man smells like smoke! They both smell like smoke! I love them both so much! They're brothers! They have their guitars! I love when they play their guitars, I love hearing their music! I hope they play! 

"You're a handsome man, aren't ya'? Aren't ya'?"

"Thanks, Ang."

"Talkin' to the dog, Mal..."

**********

They're playing their guitars! It sounds wonderful! I lie on the floor and listen. I'm tempted to fall asleep but I don't want to miss anything! The whole house is quiet except for their playing. It's rare to hear such quietness around here anymore. I love my pack. I adore my pack. But I miss this. Just me and my human. Listening to him play. I feel him petting me but he doesn't stop playing. He plays with one hand. His other hand is soft and warm. He scratches behind my ears and I close me eyes. I never want this moment to end. 

I hear the door open and close. I hear running footsteps! I sit up and watch! The children are here! And the woman! I bark! "Angus!" The children climb all over the smaller man! He sets down the guitar!

"Hey, kids!"

"Can Angus play with us?"

"Why not? Guess I could use a break....plenty of playin' on tour anyway. Welcome back, love." 

The man and woman kiss again. They still kiss a lot. The smaller man sits on the floor with the children. They're all so excited and happy! I stand up and streeeeeeetch! I wag my tail and sneeze, hoping to join in on the fun! "The kids at school dress just like you."

"Do they? Might have to file a report for copycats an' imposters runnin' around." The smaller man tickles the little girl and makes her laugh! The little boy is running around like crazy! I must lick each and every one of them! I bark to get my point across! "Charlie, why don't ya' give these kids a big ol' kiss on the lips?"

"Ewww!" The children are laughing! I limp as fast as I can! I want to play with them! Everyone should play today! My tail smacks the smaller man's face! 

"Watch it, Charlie!" This is so much fun! The men are laughing and the children are laughing! Even the woman has come over to play! Everyone wants to play with Charlie! 

I'm Charlie! And Charlie is me!