---
"I will save you with the power of friendship and also with my paws." Fizz puffed himself like a tiny heroic cushion. "Also I will shout for Gael and he will break down the door and be confused for the rest of his life."
A corner of John's mouth tilted. "All right. We will try once. If it goes badly we stop and we do not speak of this again until next winter."
"Agreed."
Fizz's ears perked in triumph. He zipped to the tub and patted the rim like a coach patting the ropes of a ring. "Champion enters from this side. No autographs please."
John stood. His legs felt heavier than the iron bars on the tool rack. He moved to the tub and sat on the rim. The wood was warm and smooth. Steam touched his chest. He drew a deep breath and held out his hands.
