Licks

We peek over the half-door into the barn. Sarah’s ready, curled up in a ball atop the basset puppies’ bench. We throw open the door, allowing the litter of puppies to propel themselves at her. One jumps atop her hunched back, another tugs at her ringlet curls. We watch in anticipation, looking for the first one to find her face, which is tucked away, shielded from kisses. But as Sarah writhes from the abuse, a little gap appears between her shoulder and neck, just big enough for a snout. Spiral takes advantage and licks Sarah’s face. We have our winner.