A crushing hug and kiss came next. After releasing me, I did my little head cocked to one side trick that knocks the big girls dead. Kady was unimpressed, more interested in talking.
“I will tell you all my secrets, forever. You are my bestest friend.”
The guileless blue eyes locked on mine. For the first time a human trusted and believed unreservedly in me, a sensation completely alien up until then. Everything came to a head in that moment. The need to respect age and take a sabbatical from my present line of work dovetailed with the proffered security and tranquility of this family, all overlaid by the unbridled love of Kady. She smiled at the tears gathering in my eyes, probably thinking it was normal for dogs, if a six year old thought of such things at all. Trapped in the innocent, azure gaze my resistance dissolved. Without saying another word she invited me into her world, and I gladly accepted.