… I see. I suppose even if I had been there he wouldn’t have listened if I discouraged him.

So the cat hurt him?

‘Given wings’? That on its own seems like a pleasant thing. But you aren’t speaking as if things are well with him.

Something happened to him in my absence, hasn’t it? We hurt him when we’re there and he’s hurt when we’re not. There’s no winning, is there?

I’m not sure that they forgive me for what I’ve done. It’s better to keep my distance so I don’t hurt anyone.

I think I have found a crack to slip between that leads to my own world. I’ve been there and back a few times, just to test. I wouldn’t leave without my master.

I have not been keeping a terribly watchful eye on my master. I trust the others to take care of them.

I didn’t think my ears were dirty..

Mmm.. stop that. Why are you ..?

(Henry settles next to him.)

Boof !! Boof boof!

Boof!

I don’t remember fighting you. I just remember my master and the mask and Ms. Angela and being very very bad.

So you’re the one that hurt him…?

…

. . .

hm.

My master was the one who bit.

Did you hurt me? I don’t recall. Everything has blurred.

No need for apologies. A correction was in order, and punishment was delivered for my actions.

(Henry sits, eyes on the figure.)

Still. Hm.

Ha. Haha, of course I would.

I don’t think you should know about things like that. You’re a tad young.

Ah- pardon?

Either I’m bad at hiding it, or I’m flagrant about it in the future.

(The dog’s fur rises and his ears perk. Uneasy, he gets to his feet.)

Hello?

So it wasn’t out of a desire for a child.

Pardon my earlier confusion. I am fairly certain I don’t swing that way..

And that was planned…?

I never imagined I would have children.

That’s unfortunate.

And your sister is.. my supposed future daughter, then?

Ah…?

Oh, nothing.. Ms. Angela just doesn’t strike me as a person who’d have wanted kids.

… hm.

And who exactly is your mother? If I might ask?

Ah. I see.

Hello, then.

Ah- hello there… sorry.

Papa…?

Hm…?

You’re not one of mine, are you? Where have you come from?

…

You set me straight. I can’t be mad at you for it. Perhaps you should have followed through.

. . .

I haven’t been feeling well these days. I’ve been failing to find the energy to trail my master and keep him safe.

…

. . .

I’m a failure.