Our labradoodle Fern is convinced there’s something behind the water heater. For hours she stands in front of it, nose wedged into the rectangle that’s cut out of the drywall to make room for the pipes. Watching. Waiting. Unyielding as yeomen. When I open the door into her she makes room for me with her body but does not break eye contact with the water heater hole. She barely even moves her head.
Originally published November 2024 in december, Volume 35.2.
Jacob Aiello 
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