Chapter 12
Nick unpacked his bag. Clyde lay on the floor looking up at his human. He thumped his tail as if trying to reassure him all would be well. Nick ignored him, finishing his task. He came back from returning his toiletries to the bathroom and sat on the bed, shoulders slumped. Clyde belly-walked forward and laid his head on Nick’s foot. Nick gave him a weak smile, then reached down and pulled him up on the bed next to him. Clyde responded by trying to lick Nick’s face. The man grunted a half laugh and lay down on his side, pulling the hound against him.
“That didn’t quite turn out as we hoped, did it, old boy?” he said, scratching Clyde behind the ears.
Clyde’s tail continued its attempt at reassurance.
Nick sighed. “Well, I didn’t want to lie to him. He’s had enough of that.”
