I shuffle Luanne to my hip and run till the water chokes my legs. Then I sink down with Luanne, and as Morgan comes closer with Diesel I reach under the stupid plastic cone with my free hand and prop up his head.

I’ve got you, Diesel. You’re okay. Hang in there, boy.

“Your father’s coming to help!” Morgan says.

I have to leave you now, Diesel says.

No, Diesel. Stay with me. We crab-crawl forward as fast as we can.

Dad runs in and takes Luanne from my arm. “There, there, baby. Don’t cry!”

He turns and gives Luanne to Mom.

“Diesel, wake up!” I beg as we fall down exhausted on the wet sand.

Why did you chase those stupid ducks? You should know better!

You’ll see.

Dad kneels down beside us. He unbuckles Diesel’s collar, removing the white satellite with it.

I got you another chance. I made you listen. You have your pack.

Diesel looks dead.

Dad takes Diesel’s front paw and hold his thumb against the underside. “I’m getting something. Not sure how strong a dog’s pulse should be.”

You got me another chance? I ask Diesel inside my head.

I should have been there to save you the first time.

But how did you get the chance?

I asked the all-knowing one. On the other side.

Dad rolls Diesel to his right side.

The all-knowing one? You were dead!

But I begged to have enough life back so I could save you.

I feel a weight sink inside me. So the bargain is up because I’m saved? No! “Diesel, stay with me. Please!” I beg out loud.

It’s over. I’ve saved you and the pack.

“Please!”

“I’m trying my best.” Dad forces Diesel’s mouth open, moving his tongue out of the way. Then he straightens Diesel’s head and holds his fingers around his snout to close his mouth.

I glance down at my wrist. The numbers haven’t budged. Maybe I can’t change a thing after all.

“Wow,” Morgan gasps. “Your dad sure knows what he’s doing. Mouth-to-mouth on a dog!”

Mouth-to-nose actually. Diesel, come back! Tell me what it’s like.

I ca-an’t!

Dad leans over and blows into Diesel’s nostrils. I see Diesel’s chest rise and fall. Two, three, and four more breaths.

And again. Once, twice. Each time Diesel’s chest rises and falls, but his eyes stayed closed. Three times, four. Once, twice …

“Ack, ack, ack!” Diesel’s eyes pop open as he coughs and throws up a puddle of water.

“He’s breathing!” Dad leans back.

Diesel’s front paws wave a bit. Unbelievably, his tail flaps. He struggles to his feet.

“Easy, boy. Take it easy.” Dad rubs his fur gently.

I reach to pat him, too. “Down, Diesel. Stay.”

He doesn’t move. He fixes his toffee eyes on me. It’s such a knowing, soulful look. But he doesn’t think anything inside my head.

“You’re safe!” I pat him. “We’re all safe.”

Dad stands up, and Mom falls into his arms, Luanne squeezed between them. He strokes Mom’s hair.