Figured It Out...

I woke when something hopped onto the bed and lay over me. My small bag jingled as it was set beside me. Slowly, I moved my hand to the furry head that rested on my chest. He whined. So many things ran through my head, but I didn't say any of them. My hand continued to run over Brandt's head. There had to be a way to get him to see it was his sucking up to people that was the feeder for this curse. I was still petting his head when Captain Hawker came in.

"It's good to see you awake, Carolynn."

"Thank you, Captain."

"Do you know what it was that caused the reaction?"

"Speaking about the curse."

"I can tell you've figured out what Lt. Quire needs to break it."

Brandt stood and got up in my face.

I pushed him away. "But trying to say more about it almost killed me," I replied.

Brandt pawed different places on my chest as if checking me over.

"Lie down," I told him. "I'm fine."

He stopped then lay back over my chest, his eyes continuing to watch me.

"Any idea as to how soon it might be until Lt. Quire is human again?" Captain Hawker asked.

"None."

"Okay. I'll let you rest."

"Thank you, Captain."

After he left I rolled to my side, giving Brandt a little more room on the bed. Then I set my hand on his shoulders before falling asleep again. No dreams came this time and I soon found myself being carried somewhere else. I could smell Brandt. Where was he? Opening my eyes, I could see my golden retriever nose. Well that certainly didn't last long.

Brandt carried me into one of the barracks and lay me on the bed before setting my bag next to me. He lightly rubbed one of my ears. "I'm sorry, Carolynn."

I turned my head to rest on his leg and he petted me.

"I'm glad you know what I need to break this curse. I just wish there was an easier way for you to tell me."

The next item came to mind and I opened my bag and dug through it. Where was it? Please tell me it was still in here. There were only a few items left, so it should be easy to find. But as I moved things around, I couldn't find it. I whined. I swear it was in there.

"What are you looking for?" he started to reach for the items and I growled.

He wasn't supposed to know what the items were until I gave them to him.

"What is it?"

I sneezed and shook my head before pushing everything back into the bag and closing it.

The barracks door opened and Alia came in. She was really angry.

"So, this is how you treat me, Brandt? You love me then leave a dog in my bed so you can return to Carolynn. You promised!"

"Alia, please let me explain."

"If you're going to use the lame excuse that you were cursed, forget it."

"Alia," he stood and walked to her side. "Please, you have to believe me."

"Why should I? You seem to love that dog more than me."

"It's not that. Carolynn is part of my curse."

"I'll believe that when I see it."

Brandt sighed. "Will you let me try again to prove to you that this is real?"

Her expression changed. "We'll see." Then she left.

Alia had just walked all over Brandt and he let her. It was because of situations like that I had hoped to be able to find the next item I needed. Brandt remained where he stood for a minute before turning to me.

"You didn't interfere that time," he said. "Why?"

I cocked my head to the side with my ears raised.

"You attacked her the first time, why not this time?"

I barked once before turning away and looking at the other wall.

"Is it because she is part of why I am cursed?"

I wagged my tail slightly then was still.

Brandt let out a loud exhale. "Then what part is she playing?"

I remained quiet since I knew he had brushed the answer, but had no way of helping him realize it. He sat on the bed and petted my head.

"I wish I could see what you have seen, Carolynn. Then I could break the curse and you can return to your life."

By the time he figured it out, it may not matter anymore. People were never sick for over a week. Likely my job was gone; I'd lose my apartment and have to mooch off of friends for a little while until I could find something steady again. After another moment, I picked up my bag then got off the bed before laying on the floor beneath the bed.

"Carolynn, you don't have to sleep on the floor. You're fine to continue to share the bed with me."

I huffed. Now what was I supposed to do? Just wait?

The bed shifted slightly above me before I heard Brandt cross the room. "I'll be back," he told me. Then left.

He wandered around the base, thinking of what it was Carolynn knew about his curse. How did Alia play into it? Were there others that played into it? If so, how and why? A group of soldiers ran by and he joined them. He ran without thinking to forget everything for a while.

"Lt. Quire!" a voice yelled for him.

Brandt stopped and turned. "Captain Hawker," he said, saluting.

"Where is Carolynn?"

"In the barracks, Sir."

"Keep her with you at all times."

"But, Sir. She's not…"

Captain Hawker raised an eyebrow. "She's not what, Lt.?"

"Not 'Army Strong', Sir."

His expression became unreadable. "If she can calmly take being a dog for your sake, Brandt, there's more to her than you give her credit for. Now get back to the barracks."

"Yes, Sir."

Brandt saluted then ran back to the barracks. He heard a yelp when he got back.

"Carolynn?" he asked.

Alia stood. "Oh, Brandt. I was hoping to persuade your dog to eat something, but she won't come out."

He shook his head and approached the bed. "When she doesn't want to eat, she won't. You can't force her."

"See, there you go again. Being soft won't make her obedient."

"I can't make her obedient." 'Because I am,' he thought.

The bed moved and something hard hit the floor.

"Carolynn?" he asked, kneeling.