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“So on’t see you anyain?”

“Sure, you will I’ll co “I just won’t live next door anymore”

“But ill live here?” asked Luna, her expression worried “And will they adopt Piglet?”

“Piglet will come with hbor living here—maybe even some kids That would be fun”

They didn’t look convinced

“I’m sad,” Luna said

“Me too,” added Hallie “I don’t want you to go”

“Hey, listen” Dex spoke up, reaching over to tweak Luna’s ear “How about, ‘Congratulations on your new job, Winnie?’ Or ‘We’re happy for you, Winnie?’ Or even ‘We’llher feel bad She has to move for work”

“Sorry,” Hallie said “Congratulations on your new job, Winnie”

“We’re happy for you” Luna sounded anything but happy

“Thank you” I sh I didn’t feel happy either at the ht next door, but your dad is right We can keep in touch”

“We can email from my iPad, Luna,” Hallie said

“That’s perfect” I reached for the pad of paper where I scribbled rocery list and wrote down my personal email address “Here Email me any time”

“Are you leaving before tomorrow?” Luna looked scared “You won’t be able to meet Freddie Purrcury”

“No,” I said, laughing “I’ot a whole month here And I cannot wait to meet Freddie Purrcury”

“Coet down froet to the pet store before it closes And Winnie doesn’t want us in here ets here”

“It’s no big deal,” I said “She’s just going to giveit and helpprice”

“Hopefully, it sells quickly” He shooed the girls toward the front door

“Yes, hopefully so” I crossedthem behind my back “Have fun at the pet store”

It felt strange watching hi or our usual jokes, and the place seeone

Piglet ca around my ankles When she meowed, I knelt down to pet her

“Don’t scold oodbyes I like his hugs I like his kisses That’s not the sa in love with someone”

But it was a slippery slope, and even Piglet knew it

Twenty-One

Dex

“Where you been,hard on the stationary bike

“What are you talking about?” I slowed to a jog on the treadmill “I see you at work every few days”

“You haven’t coo”