"Oh Bear, it's just pizza, beer, and despair,
Jun's not here, and you've claimed his chair.
You snored through my jokes, ate half my food,
Now you're staring like I'm the one being rude.
Jun, save me soon—Bear thinks I'm his dude!"
Bear barks sharply, then hops onto my lap with an offended huff. I run a hand through his soft fur. "Well, excuse me for trying to entertain us," This is my life these past two weeks—a box of half-eaten pizza, an empty beer can on the table, and stupid limericks that I share with my furry companion.
I scratch his ears, earning another grumble from my unwilling audience. "Did you like this one, babe?"
Bear whines, burying his nose in my lap as if to say, One more and I'm packing my toys and leaving, Mom.
"You're a tough crowd."
"I love it!" Meimei's voice crackles through the Bluetooth earpiece, full of amusement.
I pinch my lips together, suppressing a laugh.