I watch as Blair and Chevron burst out of their house. The dog is wearing paw booties and looks absolutely ridiculous. But we’re trying to keep the rental car as clean as we can, so as not to forfeit the deposit.

Chevron, however, has different ideas. Halfway down the walkway, she strays into the front garden, drops to her back, and rolls in the snow. If she were human, she’d be making angels. Blair drops her bags and runs screaming after her, but the damage is done. Dirty paws are the least of our problems right now. There’s a head-to-toe wet mutt Labrador to transport.

My parents, who must’ve followed the scene from the windows, promptly come to the rescue. They help me line the backseat with trash bags, which we lock in place with duct tape. It’s not the best cover job in the world, but it should do the trick.

“I’m so sorry,” Blair pants, dragging a now-leashed Chevron behind her. “I don’t know what got into her.”

We both turn to stare at the dog, who tilts her head and gives us a first-class show of contrite puppy-dog eyes.

“I’m not buying it, Miss,” Blair chides. “You knew exactly what you were doing.”

Chevron whines and uses a paw to cover her eyes.

“She’s good,” I say to Blair.

“Too good,” she agrees.

“On with you.” She opens the car’s rear door. “Get in.”

“Oh, don’t scowl at her,” I defend Chevron, and scratch her behind the ears. “She’s too cute to be told off.”

“Woof.” Chevron lets out a grateful bark and takes her seat in the back of the car. She’s now the picture of a well-behaved, educated dog.

We say our last goodbyes to the crowd of parents and neighbors that has gathered around, hop in the car, and drive out of town. I can’t believe this break is finally over!

Blair keeps quiet for the whole of fifteen minutes before she puffs her cheeks full of air and blows it all out in one annoyed huff. “So, I guess we’re not talking about why Diego isn’t in the car with us, or why you’ve been avoiding me for the past two days?”

“Nope, I’m not touching that.”

“Are you all right, at least?”

“Super,” I snap.

“That’s total bullshit.”

“Woof,” Chevron agrees.

“Hey.” I stare in the rearview mirror. “I was the one defending you just moments ago; you should side with me.”

Chevron howls in response.

“What do you think that meant?” I ask Blair.

“That she is on your side, and because of that, she wants you to open up with us and tell us what the hell happened because it’s the best thing for you.”

“And you got all that from one howl.”

“Absolutely.”

“Awooooh.”

When I still keep quiet, Blair snaps, “Oh, come on, do I have to beg?”

“I can’t.” I shake my head. “It’s just too raw still.”

Blair thinks for a second. “Better or worse than when Bambi’s mother dies?”