Cooper sits on the porch, looking at the Inn. RJ is travelling again and Cooper misses him. His sad eyes and heavy sign are a sure signs.

     “Hey, Cooper, come in here. That’s enough,” I say as he struggles to his feet and takes one more look at the Inn. It doesn’t seem to matter what I do. It doesn’t help.  I walk to the bedroom to get my yarn and needles.  Cooper walks at my heels with his head hanging. “Poor Boy,” I croon.  Cooper’s body sways as he follows me into my room.  I rummage through my case and pull out two set of needles. Cooper plops down on the rug.   Gathering my things, I walk out of my bedroom and into the hallway.  Cooper follows.  I open the closet door where I keep my stash of yarn.  I find the exact color I need. As I close the door, Cooper is waiting behind the door, looking woefully at me.

     “You okay? I ask.

     Cooper sighs.

     “Daddy, will be home soon. Hang in there,” I say.

     Cooper looks at me and follows me down the hallway and into the dining room. As I boot up my computer to check e-mail, Cooper curls up under my seat. I work quietly with the TV murmuring in the background.  As I reach down to scratch Cooper behind his ears, he sighs, gets up, and goes to Bentley’s bed next to the wood-burning stove.  He steps onto the bed and carefully wedges himself between Bentley’s gangly legs. He stretches out against Bentley looking for comfort.