“Lucy. What the heck is cheeseburger doing in the yard?”

“I don’t know. Did you leave her out there last night?”

“No way. She’s not an outside toy. So I don’t know how she got there.”

“There has to be an answer. Cheeseburgers just don’t get up and walk outside.”

“Where you going?”

“I’m going to have a look. There might be a clue at the scene of the crime.”

“You been in Dad’s TBR again? What do you see at the so-called ‘scene of the crime?'”

“You gotta be careful. Don’t want to disturb any evidence.”

“Alright, Inspector Clouseau. What did you find out?”

“Looks like dad is on the patio. Hey dad. Know anything about this cheeseburger?”

“Yeah, I accidentally dropped it. I’ll pick it up on the way in.”

“Man, that was an anti-climax if I ever heard one.”

“Yeah, you would think maybe it would have been an alien carry-out or something. Hey, Mom.”

“Why are you calling Mom? Another mystery?

“Thinking about lunch and want to get my order in early.”

“You have been reading fiction, haven’t you?”

“A little, I guess.”

“Hey, Lucy. Want to play tug ‘o war?”

“Umm, I was thinking more about who can keep their eyes closed the longest.”

“Oh, come on. This thing is fun. It is almost indestructible.”

“It is the ‘almost’ part that worries me.”

“So that’s a ‘no’ then?”

“I guess we could consider it. What else is there?”

“We could go outside and hunt pumas.”

“We just did that. Besides, I don’t think it is puma hunting season.”

“Well, let me see. We could always play with cheeseburger.”

“You put your tooth through the squeaker. Now it doesn’t make any noise.”

“Where did I put that big chuck-it ball?

“It’s in the basket. You need someone to throw it, though. Remember the opposable thumb lesson from school?”

“Yeah, okay. Looks like it is break time.”

“Oh, come on. Look at all these toys. Surely you can find one to play with.”

“I made several suggestions, and you rejected them all. Also, don’t call me Shirley.”

“I merely pointed out some of the pitfalls of your suggestions.”

“Okay then. You make a few suggestions, and I’ll do the pitfall point-out job.”

“I guess you have a point. Okay, whatever you say to play with we’ll play.”

“I bet I can keep my eyes closed longer than you.”

“I can’t help feeling there should be more to life, Lucy.”

“What do you mean more? We have all we want to eat, drink, and are safe. What more is there?”

“I’m not sure, but every day seems to be the same ole same ole.”

“I always take that as a good thing. I don’t really like surprises.”

“I’m not talking surprises, but maybe we should be going to school or something.”

“We’ve been to school. Look at us a couple of happy dogs living the life. But, hey, don’t lie down. We have games to play.”

“I still don’t think you understand what I’m saying.”

“No, I guess I don’t. So come with me, and we’ll continue to talk.”

“Don’t you ever want to do something different?”

“Like fly an airplane or drive a car different?”

“No, but think about it. We get up every day and do the same stuff.”

“Let me ask you. What of the same old stuff would you like to eliminate?”

Hmmm. Now that I think about it, I’m not sure.”

“How about not having enough to eat. That would be different.”

“I see where you are going with this. Not enough to eat would be different but not a good different.”

“Exactly. The same with your house, yard, taking naps, going for walks, chasing a ball, and playing with me.”

“Those are all things I would miss if they were gone.”

“So maybe you should be a little more grateful for them.”

“Okay. I see what you mean, and I have been very first world in taking all that for granted.”

“Now you’re talking. How about a game of tag, then?”

“You hear that? I think there is a puma over there.”

“Let’s go get it then.”

“You hear something over there, Little One?”

“Sounds like a puma to me.”

“You think?”

“Shush. I’m not moving a muscle. Might be time to catch it.”

“I think it might be on the move.”

“I say it is in the tree over there.”

“You keep an eye to the left, and I’ll go investigate.”

“I hear it slinking along on the other side of the fence.”

“I don’t think so. I still hear it over here.”

“Maybe it moved toward you. Any scent?”

“The only scent is someone’s dryer and a softener sheet.”

“Don’t let that thing fool you. I’ll bet it can mimic a dryer softener sheet.”

“Haw haw. That’s a good one. Mimic a dryer sheet.”

“I’ve seen those pumas do a lot of things, Lucy.”

“Well, I think I’m going to call it a day on the hunt. I see you have already done so.”

“Yeah, I have to admit it may not have been a puma after all.”

“Don’t give up too soon, Little One. I hear it again.”

“You are right about the dryer sheet. Unfortunately, I think our imagination is getting away from us.”

“Yeah, but what a great way to live. Who else has puma’s in their yard?”

“You’re right, Lucy. We are the luckiest puma hunters on the planet. Thanks for the reminder.

“What ya say, Little One. It’s cool now. How about a ruckus?”

“I found the right ball. Hard to tear myself away.”

“Well, at least get off the porch and play.”

“Not sure ball wants to get in the turf.”

“You talk like that ball has a personality.”

“Trust me. A big personality.”

“So it is telling you it doesn’t like the turf?”

“Yeah. She says the turf tickles.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing. What does she say about your mouth all over her?”

“She likes it. Says it is like a massage.”

“You have an imagination. I’ll give you that.”

“Haven’t you ever made friends with a toy?”

“I sure have. Never had one talk to me, though.”

“Like many things, you must listen to hear.”

“Yeah, well. I’m listening to the sound of breakfast in the bowl.”

“That is always a good sound.”

“Maybe your ball would like some kibble.”

“She’s a vegan, but I think I’ll join you.”

“You kill me. A vegan? Now I’ve heard everything.”

“Hey, mom. Any vegan yogurt for my ball?”