[In one snap, it's gone as though it never was, a single crunch to mark its passing. The dog's stub tail wags hard enough to take his hindquarters with it. He lets out a deep throated chuff bark and moves to flop onto a sheepskin bed close to the currently dark fireplace.]

So very sorry you missed my depressing week of black. All in the laundry now.

[He snags his keys from a bowl near the door and calls out to somewhere deeper in the house.]

I may be late! Just check Blade's water bowl before bed, if you don't mind?

[He heads out to eye the car with some mistrustful trepidation.]