The breeder's house was on the other side of town, and Cass would normally have had his music playing, streamed from his phone and with the volume turned up too loud.

He didn't listen at this volume to turn heads or feel as if he were impressing people. He liked music and, with the excellent sound system in the car (one of the reasons he bought that model), the volume brought with it a sense of being elsewhere. He could have been at a concert. He could have been on stage performing himself. He could have been in his bedroom using a hairbrush as a microphone.

He wouldn't have many other uses for it, with his hair always kept short enough to use his fingers and palms for styling.

Driving to the dog breeder was a journey taken in silence. Amy was on his mind. And Elise. And relationships generally, including the lack of them. He'd not often spent a great deal of time alone, and had to admit he found the prospect daunting. What would he do with his time? How would he cope with no one to talk to? If there was no one to give their opinion or ask his? How would he decide what to watch on an evening? Would he become aimless and either stay up until stupid o'clock watching nothing or fall asleep on the sofa right after he'd eaten.

He could see himself becoming more of a recluse, He didn't want that. He wanted a life outside of his own misery. Were relationships the only way to do that? He wasn't sure. There'd always been one. With partners, siblings and parents. There hadn't just been him and his reflection. Now his reflection wasn't only his own.

Amy was a companion he hadn't asked for. She was a squatter who was in residence when he moved in and was unable to leave. He hadn't had the opportunity to find out if he could enjoy being alone. When he and Elise had split, he'd had been looking forward to finding out who, exactly, Cassidy was. He could no longer do so.

Did he mind? Did it bother him? Did he resent the chance being taken from him?

No. He didn't. In fact, he welcomed it.

It wasn't just because it would remove the feelings of isolation. He would have been able to negotiate those hurdles, after a while, without her. It also wasn't because of the distinct difference between Amy and Elise. Whereas the latter was quick to judge and quicker to criticise, Amy didn't seem the type to do that. She had a sharp wit, which wasn't used to cut.

If he had been speaking to anyone else, they'd no doubt say he was developing feelings for Amy. There was no situation where that could work. One couldn't have a relationship with a ghost, for want of a better word. Whether she was one or not, the term applied. Cassidy wasn't ignorant of that face, and didn't think of her in that way. He liked that she was there. He liked the sarcasm. She had become a friend.

She was in need of his help, and he needed to convince her of that. He didn't think that was one of the reasons for accepting her so easily. He didn't require a cause to function, that was certain. While she needed the help, he was prepared to give it. When she no longer did, he would happily continue their friendship.

So, the dog. If he was fine alone, or as alone as Amy's presence allowed, why did he want a pet?

A dog was a different sort of companion. It was a bond of another type entirely. Cassidy did miss that. The playfulness. The relaxing effects of the animal laying next to him and being stroked. The race to the door for letters before they were chewed. The pet might have changed over the years, but that attachment had always been there.

Pulling into the driveway of the address he'd been given, he turned off the engine and sat still for a moment. He wanted the excitement to fill him. He could feel it in his stomach, bubbling. His mouth was dry, and he felt as if a giggle was waiting to erupt from his lips. The child in him was still alive and well, and had resurfaced to meet the new addition to Cass's home.

Once he'd brought his thoughts to bear, he exited his car and rang the doorbell.

After being welcomed in, he was led into a large, brightly lit room with French doors open wide. Beyond them, in a high walled garden, was a tall wire fence, creating an enclosure that kept the four remaining pups from escaping when they were let out, as they were now.

"They're gorgeous," he said, his voice announcing the thrill he was feeling.

"Aren't they?" replied Katherine, the breeder. "I keep wanting to keep them, but my husband says no."

"How rude?"

"I know, isn't it?"

Cass crouched to welcome the animals that were now running around his ankles and jumping up. Instantly, they were sniffing and licking his hands and, instantly, he was laughing.

"They like you," Katherine said.

"Someone has to!"

"Which one do you like, though?"

"All of them!"

"Well, I'd let you take them all, if you meant it, but I think they'd probably be too much for you."

"Maybe."

He picked two pups up and held them out. One lay in his hand, happily wagging its tiny tail. The other was squirming, as if eager to get away, or get closer for more affection. He put them down and took the remaining pair, holding them up. Of these, one barked and the other tried, and failed, to nibble on his thumb.

"They're crate trained and are mostly house trained, too. There's the occasional accident, but it's not very often. If you have pads down, they use them, but they make sure you know they need to go out."

"That's good. I'm impressed with them being so young."

Katherine nodded.

"I've had dogs all my life and been breeding for about fourteen years. I used to run a dog training school too, with my husband."

"Well, you know your stuff then."

"I hope so. Have you decided?"

Cass had, but wanted to check. He picked up the one that had been happy in his hand and held it close to him. It, he, sniffed his neck, licked him, then rested its head on his arm. All the time, its tail was actively swinging from side to side.

"I think he's the one," he said.

"Oh, he's my favourite! He's so placid, unless he wants to play, then he leaves the others standing!"

"Well, I guess you need to say 'goodbye,' 'cos he's mine now."

Cass wasn't there for much longer. He paid the fee for the dog, and Katherine gave him the certificates of inoculation and micorochipping. She also handed over a small starter pack, containing puppy pads, a lead and collar, and some food.

"You'd be surprised at how many people come and are completely unprepared."

"I can imagine. I'm not exactly unprepared, but I'm grateful for this."

"It's fine," she said. "If I didn't think you could cope, I'd have never let you in. I'm a quick judge of character and think I'm pretty accurate. You two will be very happy together."

"I appreciate that."

He left, cradling the puppy. In the car, he clipped it into a harness he'd kept since Misty had disappeared. As he was pulling out of the drive, a man walked in through the gate beside it. Cassidy smiled at him and watched the two dogs the man had on leads. A poodle and a spaniel, they were clearly the parents of the pups. They appeared to be happy, well nourished and obviously well trained. Cass hadn't had any doubts about the calibre of Katherine or her breeding and animal care techniques, but now he felt more confident. , the dog laying calmly next to him, named so as it looked like a Bobby and the name was there in his head without prompting, was from good stock.

Back home, Cassidy held Bobby close as he unlocked the door. It was a struggle with the dog in one hand and the starter kit in the other. Luckily, the pup was relaxed and allowed Cass to do as he needed. As he entered, Bobby became suddenly alert. His twitching tail stilled and his body stiffened. It didn't seem to be a response based on fear, however. It was more one of inquisitiveness.

"What can you smell, boy? This is your new home."

Bobby looked at his new owner and wagged his tail briefly, after which his attention returned to the house. Cass put the puppy down to let him have a run around and become acquainted with the house.

"Go on, boy," he said. "Check it out."

Bobby had other ideas. He sat beside Cass's foot and looked up. Was he asking for permission?

"Go on, it's OK. Make yourself at home."

Bobby stood again and ran around Cass's feet as if to say thank you, then ran to the bottom of the stairs. Sitting back down, he stared upwards and his tail flapped frantically.

https://youtu.be/45dOI0KxXZ0