I felt water on my cheek. I instantly opened my eyes and smiled. "Good morning, Dakota."

He barked playfully, a bit of slobber splattering on my face.

I rubbed his head.

He lifted his leg, scratching his neck.

I looked at the collar, remembering when I'd had to wear one, although mine was a shock collar, unlike this dog's. I thought for a moment before unbuckling the collar and removing it from the dog's neck.

He licked my cheek, then jumped off the bed and trotted out the door.

I opened my dresser drawer, dropping the collar inside, then followed the dog into the kitchen.

Mrs. Wu was preparing breakfast.

"Want some help with that, ma'am?" I asked.

"From you? No."

"Need me to do anything?"

"Actually, I do."

"What is it, ma'am?"

"Go away."

"Yes, ma'am." I turned and left the kitchen, my head hung, hurt, then walked for the living room.

Mr. Wu was reading the newspaper. He glanced at me over his reading glasses. "Morning, Cody."

"Good morning, sir." I took a seat next to him, sitting still.

Master always wanted me to stay still.

Mr. Wu folded the paper and placed it on his lap. "Sleep well last night?"

"Yes, sir. Thank you."

He observed me. "Melissa and the others are in her room if you're bored."

"Thank you, sir." I headed upstairs and knocked on Melissa's door.

"Come in."

I stepped inside.

"Oh, hey, Jackson. Wanna join us?"

"Yes, ma'am." I took a seat in a nearby chair.

Taylor was sitting next to me. She grabbed my arm, turning it over to get a better look.

"What happened to your hands?"

"I cut them on broken glass, ma'am."

"It looks hideous."

"Sorry, ma'am."

Mrs. Wu opened the door. "Breakfast is ready."

We all stood, heading downstairs. We took a seat at the table.

"Cody, grab everyone's plate from the kitchen," Mrs. Wu said.

"Yes, ma'am." I got out of my chair and headed into the next room.

"I'll help him." Melissa hurried behind me before her mother could protest.

We passed around the dishes.

"Thank you." Mr. Wu smiled.

"You're welcome, sir." I took a seat.

We ate, chatting with each other.

Mrs. Wu stood, leaving me alone at the table. "You better finish all of that."

"Yes, ma'am." I'd only eaten three bites and I was already full.

Mr. Wu rubbed my back.

I threw up some more, clutching my stomach.

"If you weren't hungry, why'd you eat it all?"

I pushed away from the toilet and rested against the wall. "I didn't want to waste any of your food, sir."

"I don't always eat everything on my plate, Cody. You don't have to eat if you're not hungry. But you can't starve yourself."

"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir."

I quickly pushed myself up as I felt more puke coming up my throat.