There is a sound. It comes before touch. Before warmth. the hand. Click. not loud. Not sharp. But it lands-- like seed in soft earth. Like key turning. door opening house I did know lived in. When comes lower. open. do think. choose. only follow shape sound makes my bones. Once hand came after. And with it-- pat. A treat. tilt of head that meant good pup. Now still comes. treat does not. The gone. pat quick. checking if work. do. wag. lick. lie down. ask why warmth leaves so fast.