Cooper is older now. Gray has spread around his muzzle. The crescent scar above his paw is harder to see beneath healthy fur.
At bedtime, Mia places Rosie on the shelf.
Cooper looks at it once.
Then he chooses the living child.
Two years ago, he would not open his mouth because the doll was all he had left.
Now he leaves it behind every morning when Mia calls.
He was never guarding a toy.
He was guarding the way home.