The Silver Dagger

Escape

"Nate? What are you doing here?"

"Is that your dog?" someone asked angrily behind him. "No pets are allowed."

Her hand fell on top of Nate's head before he could growl at the man for talking to her in that manner.

"No. He must have followed me from the animal hospital. How did he get in the dorm?"

"Some idiot propped the door opened."

"Oh. The vet just dropped me off. I'll have him come get him."

"Take him outside while you wait."

"Sure, of course. Come on, Nate."

No way was he moving. He sat down.

"Na—ate." She pushed on his shoulder. "Don't do this to me. Come on, move."

Her ineffectual attempt amused him. He licked whatever was closest.

"Nate! Ugh. Darn you."

"Want me to help?" the male voice asked.

"No, the vet can help me. He'll have a leash. I'll give him a call."

He felt her move into the space which was filled with her scent, so he followed.

"Really? Now you move? Look, Michael...right, I'll keep him locked in my room until the vet gets here. He won't cause any problems - will you Nate?"

She sounded irritated. He yipped in agreement, then walked closer and laid his head against her chest. Her hand rested on the top of his head as she released a loud sigh. "What am I going to do with you."

"What's the vet's name? I'll bring him up as soon as he gets here."

"Doc Brown. Thanks Michael."

She moved away from him. The sounds of voices in the hallway grew suddenly quieter so he guessed she'd shut the door. He wished he could see what her room looked like. It smelled like...he turned his head to get a good whiff and hit something with his nose - a tall pile of books by the sound.

Aiyana sighed behind him. "Nate, my room is too small for you to move around in. I've got things piled everywhere. Come here by me and sit down. There's room right in front of the door."

He obeyed with his head down to show how sorry he was for making a mess. She rubbed the top of his head through his bandages. "All right, you big sneak. I need to get ready for church. I'll get you some water though if you promise not to step in it this time."

He nodded.

He lapped up the water while he listened to her move. He heard a scraping sound and he imagined she was brushing her hair. What did it look like? What did she look like?