From the bathroom, Matt heard the light click off and the toilet flush. In a low voice, Vic admonished, “Stop that.”
All traces of sleepiness disappeared in an instant. Matt sat up quickly, pulling his legs to his chest. If Vic were over there, then who…or what…? Reaching for the lamp on the bedside table, Matt called out, “Vic? Don’t tell me that wasn’t you.”
He turned on the lamp, and its golden glow pushed the shadows back from the bed. Matt saw Vic kneeling on the floor—like in my dream,he thought, shaking his head. There were no rings, though, and between Vic’s legs sat a large, golden dog who watched Matt with dark, shiny eyes. Its broad tongue hung out as it panted happily, and when it met Matt’s gaze, it woofed once, softly. “Hush,” Vic said, struggling to release the clasp that held its leash to its collar.