I stayed overnight with the Hales on Saturday. Franklin slept outside my room with his old head on his paws. Mrs. Hale showed me where the bathroom was and left a night-light plugged in without asking if I needed one.
At breakfast, Mr. Hale made pancakes in the shape of circles. One came out shaped like a boot.
"House special," he said.
I laughed. I hadn't expected to laugh.
On Sunday afternoon, Ms. Rowan drove me back to Alder House. Tessa was in the common room, waiting for the television to start.
"How was it?" she asked.
"Good."
"Did you like Franklin?"
"He followed me everywhere."
"That's his job."
I sat beside her. "I want to go back."
Her shoulders lowered. "I'm glad."
"But I don't want you to think I'm leaving because I don't care."
"I don't."
"Are you sure?"
"No," s
