Dog Walks

Oddly enough, Cyrus enjoyed his walks with the dog. No one had responded to the posters Oliver drew of the dog that Miles had hung in various places around the town. But Cyrus couldn't complain as the dog was a silent companion. They walk a little way from his apartment building. The dog took the lead as she sniffed around the walls and shrubs. Even though Miles had recommended taking her out long enough to do her business, Cyrus let it drag on. His mind contemplated recent events and what he would need to do at work the next day.He stopped when the dog squatted to do her business. Miles bought him bags and taught him how to pick up after a dog, a chore Cyrus detested. Why couldn't dogs pick up after themselves? Or go in a box like a cat?"Cyrus?"He looked up past the dog, who was wagging her tail, seeing Linda about to enter an apartment complex. He looked to her, then to the apartment complex, then back to her."This is your house?" He stood up, tying the trash bag into a knot. Linda giggled at his outburst, "You forgot since you did drive me here before.""Right."She walked over, stooping down to pet the dog."So, this is Tormino's dog?"Cyrus rolled his eyes at the name. "This is the Tormino's dog. Still no owner yet.""Well, I'm sure she's glad she has such nice people to take care of her." Linda held the dog's cheeks, rubbing her hands in circles in the dog's fur."Have you thought of a name for her?"Cyrus looked at the dog, realizing neither he nor Miles had come up with a name for the dog. Both called it a girl."Girl?"Linda laughed, moving her hand to pat the dog's head. "I'm sure she appreciates your naming genius."Cyrus scowled, "Then you name her since I'm terrible at names."Linda looked back at the dog, making the most adorable thinking face as she pursed her lips to the side."Shiba," she stated, sounding more like a question than a sure answer.Cyrus snorted, "Glad to see I'm not the only one with naming genius.""You put me on the spot, and I could come up with a better name if I had time.""I'm sure you would.""I would!" Linda pouted, turning her body away from Cyrus and the dog. But the dog wanted more petting, so she nuzzled her nose underneath Linda's hand, Linda breaking down to oblige."Shiba's not such a bad name," offered Cyrus, causing Linda to look up."Shiba," he called and the dog turned back towards him. Cyrus petted her when she got close."She likes it."Linda blushed as she stood back up."I'm glad she does."The two adults stood there, neither sure where to take the conversation."What was with- ?""I noticed that- ."They spoke over each other."You first," offered Linda."What was with that kiss?""Kiss?"Cyrus nodded."Isn't that normal?""Is it?""It usually is."Cyrus scrunched his eyebrows together. He tried to recall when kissing was appropriate between friends, let alone exes. He kept thinking for a bit, staring at the ground."I noticed the restaurant was closed the other day..." started Linda, changing the topic."Oh, we took the day off for Golden Week with Corporate's permission. Leigha organized a team bonding day at the beach."Linda giggled, "You at the beach?""I sat in a chair under an umbrella the whole time. But everyone else had fun, so I guess one day is fine."Linda smiled up at him, "You are a lot easier going than you use to be.""What makes you say that?""Well, if I recall the last time we went to the beach with our friends, you stayed as far away from the sand as possible.""And I would have if I could, but no one would let me.""I'm sure.""I'm serious. I would have preferred something indoors, but the girls were insistent on the beach.""I know, I know. I'm glad everyone got you out of the house for once.""I leave the house.""Going out for work, groceries, and dog walks do not count."Cyrus scowled, "I don't like going to places I don't know on my own.""Then let's go together.""What?""You and me. Tell me a place you want to go and we can go together."Cyrus looked up, trying to put the pieces of what she said together. Places he wanted to go to, but not alone."There's the Obon Festival this summer.""The Obon Festival?""Yeah, I don't think I've gone to one. Or did we did back in high school?"Linda shook her head no with a soft, sympathetic smile."No, your parent's always had you working in the summer. But we can go after you get off work.""Ok," Cyrus pulled out his phone."My number is still the same."Cyrus looked up then looked down at his phone to see he still had Linda's number."Ok, let me know your schedule when it's close and we'll meet after work.""Ok."They both stood there, neither sure what to say next. Linda was trying to hide her blushing, and the dog was nuzzling Cyrus' hand for more pets."Well, we should head back." He waved as he started turning Shiba around to leave."Okay, goodnight.""Goodnight."Linda retreated to her apartment, standing at the door as she watched Cyrus leave. When he was out of sight, she went back into her flat and let out a girlish squeal. Cyrus heard even after walking a distance from the house."Hope everything is okay over there," he commented to Shiba, urging the dog back to their house.