"We just went out. What now? Not time yet."

Looking up at me. Beseeching. whining.

Grab the squeaky. Toss it. Lots of play. Biting, flinging about, returning to me. I squeak it, lob it off. Repeating.

Return to my computer.

"What now? Whining? Out?"

We go out. Just dawdling and sniffing. Back inside.

Soon crying again.

"Please, what is it?"

I glance around. Count the toys. What's missing? Oh yeah.

Search the house. Finally.

Whiffle ball found behind the nightstand. Peace?.

Not yet. Whining. Out. Business done. Inside.

"Cool now?"

Ten minutes. Crying. Bad day for me? Good day for him?