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“Yes, ma’am” I slide my card into the reader

“Leave the boy alone If he don’t want to celebrate Christmas, he shouldn’t have to”

“It’s because he’s notoff the receipt “You should get married, Conn Your wife can put up a tree You’ll like this time more with decorations They always cheer me up”

“I don’t like ‘eot too much damned stuff, Karen We don’t need indoor and outdoor shit”

I grabfood onto my shoulder and run out of there like h bark when I step out of the store I jerk o”

The husky lumbers to his feet and races to the truck I toss the food in the back and then open the front door for hiain so I don’t have to cos out and he nods excitedly I give hi into the driver’s seat

When I ht I’d enjoy the small town atmosphere, but just a little exposureascity people All I need in life is a co, and a stove Contact with other people is unnecessary

The wind starts to pick up as I drive toward e located thirtyup bythe winter and three hundred acres of trees and trails I cut some of those trails myself and some nature provided

It’s a sanctuary and one I don’t want disturbed, so when I co slowly on the road, I scowl and pass it The roads up here should be e away I press the gas pedal It’s nice to be ho over the lake

I’rill and pop open a beer Later, I’ll do so self-eht noant to relax on the sun porch with Bear at my side while the sun takes a dip in the water

“How’s that sound?” I ask my boy

He barks in agrees really are a man’s best friend You don’t have to say a word, but they’re on your side A true ride or die I give Bear another scratch as I reets me makes me scowl

“Scoot back, Bear,” I order He does so ilove coround across ravel There are tire tracks that don’t un in my lap and drive across the chain The road to my house is swervy I et toand have time to prepare but it also means people ahead of ger of un as I roll down the road