It’s more of a waddle than a walk, but all three of us move slowly down the front stairs, and I lead them to do the larger loop of our block, each of us taking our time, enjoying the cooler air since it feels like it helps us digest. This might be the first year at Christmas that I actually don’t feel like exploding and I’m taking that as a win, even though the reason for it is definitely in the con column.
“So…” Max says, waving at a car that drives by, cackling when the stranger waves back. “See? It’s like a reflex. I love human beings, we’re so cute.” She rounds on me, walking backwards for every step I take forward and it’s up to me now to watch out for any obstacles lest she fall flat on her ass and c***k her tailbone.
Max tilts her head at me, a small smile along the corner of her
