The dog had relaxed enough that he eventually sat beside his owner, hoping that whatever altercation might have occurred was now over with. He scratched at a spot behind his ear with his back paw.

Elissa glanced down at him once, though her attention went back to Barnaby. He didn't smile, which was a shame, but she didn't imagine he was in an easier position than she was at the moment. She couldn't ask for him to brighten up; even her smile was strained and sad, which disappeared after a few moments. "How long have you been here?" Had he just arrived?