Thud! “Fuck.” I curse under my breath as the flathead screwdriver tumbles to the balcony floor, taking with it my hope of getting into the house. The bedroom light flicks on as Peaches runs up to the sliding glass door, canines barred and growling. I jerk it up quickly before I vault over the ledge of the balcony. Barely lowering myself out of sight as the door unlocks and slides open. My heart hurls itself into my throat at our proximity, my skin heating and prickling in an all-encompassing way, my sweet Doll. I hear her footsteps creaking along the worn and faded white wooden boards as I dangle two stories up. My gloved hands straining to hold on to the ledge. I need to get back to the gym, I’ve been so caught up in my…. Extracurricular activities I diverged from my routine. “Hello?” Her sweet voice wraps itself around me, bringing a smile to my face despite the circumstances. I pull myself up slightly, just enough to see her. I have to see her. My good mood is immediately diminished by the realization that she just marched her cute little ass out here at the first sign of danger. What if some strange man was out here, lying in wait for you? Blistering hot anger bubbles up in my chest at the thought of anyone but me putting their hands on her soft skin. Gripping the gentle slope of her neck. It seems lately anger has been my primary setting. She’s destroyed everything. Our life, love, my fucking sanity I miss you, little star. I it, can hear the heavy fall of dog paws as Peaches pads along, walking straight up to me. Tail going a mile a minute, I shake my head, desperately motioning for her to go.

“What is girl?” she calls out, her footsteps growing dangerously close. I stop breathing all together, letting go with one hand before reaching up and lightly flicking our dog in the nose. Sorry girl, your mom would flip if she saw me. Peaches sneezes in protest, backing up until she bumps into Doll, knocking her down, “Christ Peaches! Get inside.” Peaches whines in protest then went inside..