Axel licked my face over and over as soon as I peered through my hands at him. He had no shame. I scrambled to get out from under him and to find clothes to walk him in.

After I put on a thick hoodie, I clipped his leash on his collar. He started bouncing and jumping so high that his eyes were even with mine as we waited for the elevator. Axel dragged me to the dog walk area and then got intensely interested in a leaf in a hyacinth plant.

I cuddled my chest in the chill of the morning. I could have tossed my winter jacket on top of the hoodie. Axel stood sniffing the air like he was trying to decipher the Dead Sea Scrolls. “Bud, let’s get busy.”

I used the command that in theory would get the process of Axel going to the bathroom started, when in reality it was just me sounding really hopeful that my dog would move his process along.

After he was done and I neatened his mess up, we headed back inside. I was surprised to see Austin up and sipping from a coffee mug. As I unclipped Axel, Austin grabbed me a coffee mug and then held it out to me.

“How’s he doing?” I took off my hoodie and wrapped it around my waist. Austin started pouring me a coffee.

“Better. Has a big headache and quite a few injuries that I think should have him in the ER. He’s got his color back and seems ready to start to cause problems again.”

“Have you had the conversation about Axel yet?” I added fresh water to his bowl.

“Not yet. I’m not even sure he remembers his nut encounter last night.” I watched as Axel inhaled his water like he was mad at it.

“That might be a mercy. It was quite the nose check.” I ran my hand down Axel’s back.

“It sure was. I thought Endgame was going to be a soprano.” Austin tilted his head to one side.

“I’m sure Axel can arrange that. All Endgame has to do is eat a hot dog and Axel will risk it all to snag a bit of a leftover.” Axel flapped his ears, spewing water onto our legs.

I grabbed a hand towel and wiped myself down. I tossed the towel to Austin who did the same.

“This is a sloppy dog.” He gave Axel a soft smile and a side rub down.

“Hey, you must be exhausted. What’s your day look like?” Mornings were new here, with Austin. Today was sort of a free flow day for me. I had to make sure to keep up with my college work, but I had some leeway.