PA 3.5: End of a Tail

Chapter XI Part II

The homemade french toast was a welcome change from Patches' recent meals. Though, without the poor taste to focus on, he found himself drifting towards thoughts of the 'smiley face bacon & eggs' he had eaten days ago. Even after escaping the leash, Patches still felt as if he was living under Olive's shadow.

Patches took the moment to focus on the dishes in front of him. The dalmatian was scrubbing bits of syrup off his plate, but his usual efficiency in cleaning was stifled by Dell staring at him silently; she did so even while he was eating.

"Dell, is there something you want to tell me?" Patches asked. He didn't feel like getting into what was undoubtedly another drama-laden topic, but it was preferable to the constant staring.

Dell looked to where her plate would've been if she decided to eat anything. She looked sullen, asking, "Could you clean my hoodie, please?"

Patches turned his head, cocking a brow as he set aside his dish to dry. He shut off the faucet and stared at the dog, confused.

"You... Said you knew how to clean it?" she asked.

"Yes, yes. Of course I can clean it."

Dell smiled and addled her eyes. She looked genuinely glad. "That'd be great, if you could."

"But, I'm not a charity. I'll show you how, then you do it yourself while I clean up here," Patches gestured to the mostly spotless kitchen.

"What are you going to clean?" Dell asked, getting up out of the chair.

"Are you serious? Can you not see the filth caked into the table?" Patches shook his head. "Tut tut. Let's just go to your laundry room."

--- Author's Note:

If you're worried about this chapter being short, it's because I hate writing transitions, and I post by wordcount rather than by the part, so this will be a quirky little thing.