She saved the best present for last. A glass bottle, with two inches of the amber liquid Aaron prized so highly still left in the bottom. For this, they risked a daytime trip. She had to be sure he got it and knew it was from them. There was no lid on the bottle, and Woof seemed not to like the feel of glass against his teeth, so it was slow going to make sure none spilled.
When they arrived, Aaron was already awake, bending over and emptying the contents of his stomach onto the asphalt. After he was finished, Woof carefully placed the bottle down beside him. Aaron slumped against the wall and wiped his chin with his sleeve. He stared glassily at them for a moment, then shifted his gaze to the bottle.
“What’s this?”
“It’s gift for you,” Ruby replied. She waited for a smile. Joy. Or tear
