Copyright © 2009 Ruth G. Zavitsanos
All rights reserved, Wild Child Publishing.
I couldn't let Issy be sad much longer. If she were, I'd be failing my duties at the villa. My master had told me that spreading happiness is what I do best. He said that to be able to do this for everyone, no matter where they came from or what language they spoke, is a gift. My master said I had to give this gift in order to keep it. If I gave happiness to all of those who stayed at the villa by protecting them and being there when they wanted to hug or pat me then I'd always be welcome here.
My master, I curled up on the patio with my head tucked between my front paws, thinking about him and waiting for Issy. When she finally returned, they all went off in the cars, not returning until later that night.
The following morning, Issy lay reading in the hammock. I sat down on the ground very close to her. Eventually, her hand fell on my shoulders. Although she didn't pet me, she kept her hand on my fur. Her nearness pleased me. That changed when Ian flew into me without warning. I barked at Ian and Issy fell off the hammock.
"Ian, you're so annoying," she said.
"Come on, be nice to your little brother," her father said.
"Be nice to your little brother, be nice to your little sisters," Issy said under her breath when she walked away, but I heard her. I trotted beside her down to the pool. Book in hand, Issy sat in the water on the top step. I sat beside her, pleased she didn't shoo me away. Soon, I lay down near her. I sensed something had upset her. I didn't know what, but if I got her to like me, she would trust me and let me give her my gift--happiness.