The sun wakes me, warmth on my face and hands a welcome sensation. I sit up, the dog moaning beside me, yawning and stretching his large body before shaking with vigor. I hug him to me, feeling his body press close as he leans into the embrace, chin on my shoulder, panting softly in my ear.

"Thanks for staying with me." I whisper it out loud, not really meaning to. He chuffs softly in response, tongue finding my cheek.

Time to face the others, though I don't want to, ...