Alex had told her he would make arrangements, so she was prepared. She'd been thinking about making up her remaining work hours once she recovered, but she hadn't expected Alex to send her wages and the signed contract first.
"No rush," Alex said. "Wait until... you're fully recovered. We'll arrange things then."
...
...
Barto returned to his place, feeling a little weary.
He opened the door and, out of habit, brushed the snow off himself at the entrance. Then his eyes swept across the room, searching for Gu Ning.
The room was pitch-black and freezing. There was no sign of the little Mixed Breed... no sign of Gu Ning, no trace of her scent. There was only a listless, large Mixed Breed dog lying by the door.
Seeing him return, Cook slowly sat up and gave him a listless bark.
