Page 24

“Pants, Raphael.”Marcie’s voice carried as Raphael was already headed toward the front door.

They turned back, ran to their clothes, and put them on.Then they hurried over and had the leash in their hands before Marcie and I had even put our drinks on the counter.

Thaddeus, not to be outdone, barreled up to us as well.

“Sandals.”Marcie put her own on.

I wrote a note to Phillip, letting him know were headed to the park.I’d stick it on the door when we left.I glanced at my watch again.For a moment I worried, then I remembered he said something about the library after his appointment.Hopefully he’d go.I had the impression he didn’t get out much, and a bit of socializing would be good for him.

Scott, the head librarian, was a great guy.

And married to Anthony.

Another great guy.

Whom I’d spotted going into Phillip’s house two days ago.Which confirmed my suspicion Phillip wasn’t just an ordinary neighbor.Although that didn’t matter to me, I liked the idea Anthony was watching out for the young man.

I grabbed a piece of tape and joined everyone outside.

Much to the kids’ obvious consternation, Marcie held the leash.“When we’re in the park inside a fence, you can take turns.”

“Aw, Mom…” Thaddeus crossed his arms.

Raphael spread their arms wide in the air and spun around several times.This was their way of coping with change.

“Let’s go.”Marcie herded everyone toward the sidewalk.

I taped the note to the door and locked said door.I wasn’t really worried.And I’d exchanged phone numbers with Phillip this morning, so he could always call or text if something came up or if he was worried.

We walked down Hummingbird Lane toward the park.

Fern Avenue was marginally busier, and I let Marcie organize everyone to cross the street.

All the while, Wally kept gazing at all four of us.Almost as if he couldn’t believe his luck—having four humans at his beck and call.Four of us willing to do whatever he wanted.

“Dog park?”Raphael pointed to the park.

“A park where dogs are allowed,” I corrected gently.“The next park over is a dog park with an enclosed area where the dogs can run free.You understand Wally has to be on his leash at all times out here, right?”

“Duh.”Raphael rolled their eyes.

I smiled.Every word brought me joy, because they sometimes struggled with language.Whether because they couldn’t find the word or didn’t want to talk wasn’t always clear.

“Going to be another hot day.”Marcie eyed me through the sunglasses she’d donned.

“This is SoCal in the summer, hun.”I nudged her with my shoulder.

“I want to walk the dog.”Raphael could easily match their brother’s imperious tone.

Marcie glanced at me, and I said, “Only if your mom holds the end of the leash.Sorry, we don’t know Wally well enough yet for you to walk him solo.”

Raphael stuck out their lower lip, but took hold of the leash between Marcie and Wally, steering the dog along while ignoring their mother and clearly pretending she wasn’t there.

Raphael was an incredibly responsible child.If left to their own devices, they’d cook every meal.They adored cooking—especially baking.While naked and wearing an apron.They weren’t able to interpret the feeling of hunger.Hence needing to eat at the same time every day.Cooking was the part of routine they loved the most.

Wally walked placidly beside Raphael, always keeping his eyes on the child and matching their stride.Phillip would be so proud of his dog.

Marcie caught my gaze.“He’s wonderful.”