Lost Dog

Sakura season was already beginning to end. The snow shovels were put away and out came the brooms to sweep the petals. Cyrus assigned the task to Miles, seeing as how Leigha did a sloppy job of it in the morning. So after changing into his uniform, Miles picked up the broom and walked to the front. Flower petals floated on the spring breeze, descending onto the entrance.

He set to work first clearing the area in front of the entrance doors. Then he swept the flowers down to the main street, where the street sweeper would catch them. For extra measure, he swept the sidewalk and parking lot. It was then that he saw a dog wandering around the street. The dog's nose alternated between sniffing the ground and sniffing the air. The animal paused when it noticed Miles.

Miles did his best to hold in his excitement, bending down to the dog's level and holding out his hand.

"Here, boy." He gestured for the dog to come forward. The dog trotted over, sniffing Miles' hand before letting the teenager pet him. As Miles patted his head with one hand, he reached around the dog’s neck to try and find a collar. There was nothing to be found.

"Odd," he mumbled to himself. He dismissed the thought as the dog started to climb on top of him once Miles had petted the spot between his ears.

"Oh, you like that," he chuckled as he scratched the spot some more, the dog wagging its butt in pure happiness.

"Miles, you finished?" asked Oliver, peeking out the door of the restaurant.

"Yeah, pretty much," answered Miles, trying to turn around to respond, only for the dog to nuzzle his hand for more petting.

"Where'd the dog come from?"

"I don't know; this guy was wandering around then came over when I offered to pet him."

Curious Oliver walked over to inspect the dog for himself.

"No collar and healthy-looking, so it's not abandoned," commented Oliver.

"I doubt he's from the hospital, or someone left him in their car."

"He could belong to any one of the nearby houses."

"But I doubt either of us could leave to ask around."

Both men frowned, looking at the dog.

"Did Miles try to adopt another pet?" asked Anita, standing at the entrance.

"No, it's dog Miles found, but too well taken care of to be a stray."

"And for the record, I don't adopt every animal I find. I have a lot of pets I BOUGHT and like playing with other animals."

"Of course, Miles. Why don't you take the dog to the back? I'll have Sierra give him water and some food. We can also ask customers when they come in and keep an eye out for people looking for a lost dog."

"I'll look for a rope to hold him," offered Oliver as he scurried back inside.

"Come on, boy." Miles stood up and grabbed the dog by the thick of the neck to lead him behind the restaurant to where Cyrus was already waiting, doing what Miles didn't know.

"A dog," he grumbled, eyeing the beast with disdain. The cheerful dog barked at the newcomer, ignorant of Cyrus' dislike of pets.

"Anita said to keep him back here until the owner stops by," assured Miles, releasing his hold on the dog to pet it.

"You mean her."

"Her?"

Cyrus gestured to the dog with his cup of tea.

"Her."

Miles looked between Cyrus and the dog before checking.

"Her," he confirmed as Sierra opened the back door.

"Here you go. Oliver found a rope somewhere so the dog can stay here," offered Sierra as she held out the food and rope to Miles.

Miles took the food and water, setting it before the dog. Once the dog started eating, Miles tied the rope around her neck, tight enough to keep her there. When the dog was secure, Miles sat to watch.

"I'm not paying you to watch dogs," grumbled Cyrus, drinking the last of his tea before returning inside. With reluctance, Miles followed Sierra.

---

"Anyone looking for the dog?" asked Miles to Oliver at the end of the day. So far, no customers had come by who knew the dog nor the owner. Miles had been checking every so often that the dog was still behind the restaurant. He chose to stay for a few minutes of petting before Cyrus or Anita called him back inside.

"For the hundredth time, no one has come in asking about the dog," groaned Oliver.

"Well, we can't leave the dog here at the diner overnight," grumbled Cyrus.

"I can take her home until we find her owner," offered Miles, taking the rope off the pole.

Miles looked up to Cyrus for approval; everyone looked towards their manager.

"Fine. Only bring the dog back when you have found the owner."

Cyrus slunk off to his car, everyone else splitting to go their own way for the night. Oliver locked the door behind him, leaving only Miles, Ramona, and the dog.

Miles looked down at the dog that was nuzzling Ramona's hand.

"She seems very friendly," whispered Ramona.

"Yeah, I'm glad she had good owners, I hope they realize she's gone soon so she can go home."

Ramona smirked, knowing very well that Miles was saying things. "I think you would want to keep her."

Miles gave a half-hearted smile.

"A part of me says yes, a part of me says she should be with her family."

"Then I guess be thankful you were the one to find her for now."

"Yeah."

Miles offered his arm, switching the rope to his other hand.

"Ready to cross?"

He held out his free arm. Ramona took it as they crossed the lot with the dog trotting beside them.