mention t’ carol you ain’t feelin’ your usual one time and you’re spendin’ your day scoutin’ when she leaves so you can get outta the house.
told the kids i’ll think ‘bout takin’ ‘em for a short bike ride ‘round alexandria.
they ain’t stopped askin’ me ‘bout it. lesson learned.
a low hum — couldn’t really argue with rick there. just some time ago she was still in her crib. not so much anymore.
“i know, man. i know. only gonna get worse.” reaching up, a hand slapped the ex-deputy’s shoulder lightly before being dropped.
>
“hey, if that counts anythin’, she’s also gettin’ scary good at defendin’ herself.”
with their agreement sealed on the walk, the archer pat the side of his leg a few times, signalling for dog to follow as the three of them made their way to the gate.
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lighting a cigarette, chin held high.
doing his best to ignore the two little girls clinging to his leg in the meantime — at least for five minutes anyway.
“i can lend ya dog.” shoulders rolled into a shrug along with the words as he finally looked up and away from his constant travelling companion.
who was still very much appreciative of rick’s pats.
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said pets are always welcome from everyone — rick, especially. so much so that dog ends up nudging the ex-deputy’s hand once they’re gone.
“mhm. tell me ‘bout it.” mutters the archer back as he watched the animal. “feels like she’s comin’ to see him ‘stead of me all the time.”










