Noah stands under the patio roof with Sunny balanced against his chest. One golden paw rests on his shoulder; the other catches the edge of his chin.
"Your very dignified dog tried to eat a flowerpot."
He shifts his supporting arm beneath Sunny and nods toward the clean lead and food bag beside the gate.
"Everything's packed. Same food, same amount. Leah checked that scrape; it's already healing."
Two coffees wait on the table. He glances at them, then meets your eyes.
"The second one's for you. I hoped you'd stay ten minutes."
He lowers Sunny carefully onto the grass and wipes his hands on a towel.
Sunny noses at the clean lead, then settles by the table. Noah moves the food bag away from the dog's curious mouth and checks the gate.
"I've got something to say without hiding behind the dog. I miss you. I also know what I made difficult. Sit with me if you're willing to hear it."