Page 59 of Will Bark for Pizza (Bluebell Springs #1)

FORTY-EIGHT

HUSKER

Mom’s home!

She’s been gone forever.

Mom’s home!

I thought she was never coming back.

Mom’s home!

“Easy there, Husker.”

What’s easy, Grandma Connie?

Mom’s home!

Did you see?

That’s her Jeep.

That’s my Jeep, too.

Can I go outside?

I need to go get my mom.

Mom’s home!

“Can you take him outside?”

Yes, Grandpa Dale!

Take me outside to see Mom.

“C’mon, Husker.”

Click.

My leash is on.

Now I can go outside.

Sniff, sniff, sniff.

Is that a funny walking bird?

He’s in the garden.

Grandpa Dale, that funny walking bird is in the garden.

I don’t trust her.

“Leave it, Husker.”

But Grandpa Dale, she’s looking at me funny.

“Husker, leave that chicken alone.”

Mom!

You’re home!

Mom, there’s a funny walking bird.

Right there!

I need to get it!

“You know you’re not supposed to chase the chickens.”

But Mom!

“You’re out late.”

Who’s late?

“I needed some air.”

Mom, why is your face a funny color?

And why do you smell like New Best Friend?

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah.”

Mom?

Grandpa Dale?

Mom?

Why is no one talking?

Why is no one paying attention to the funny walking bird ?

“I better get Husker inside before he gets on Connor’s shit list.”

What’s a shit list?

“Kira?”

“Yeah?”

“You’re not in this alone, you know.”

Mom is smiling.

That’s good.

Maybe I’ll get a treat.

Mom, can I have a treat?

“I know.”

Mom, why do you smell like New Best Friend?