"And he wouldn't let me see you! It's was so upsetting. Are you sure you're okay? I mean, head wounds are serious. You won't be able to drive for a week, that's what the doctor said."

"Eh, it's just a little bump." David subconsciously rubbed the top of his head. "Anyway, I can go home tomorrow. What have you been up to? Other than worrying about me." It wasn't funny to Josh that David would joke about worrying. Josh really had been distressing over his health. The past couple days had been very stressful, especially because Josh felt that it was partially his fault that David got in the accident in the first place. If only they hadn't been on the phone.

"I've been trying to get Sweeney adjusted to my place." Josh answered.

"Well that's good! I can't wait to meet him. What's his personality like?"

"He's really timid right now; like, he freaks out when I leave because he always wants to be with me. He thinks that my bed is also his. And he always steals all the blankets! Last night I woke up freezing. But I can't lock Sweeney out of my room because then he'll poop on my rug and howl all night."

David laughed heartily. "It sounds like you love him, kid."

"I do."

"Hey, Groban. Once I'm feeling better, we're going to work on your next album. I found a couple great songs that I know you'll love. Two of the songs are in English and one is in French. We'll have fun with them."

"You know I don't want to."

"Yup, that's why I'm going to force you. It's time for you to get back into music production. I gave you a few months break because I know you've been through a lot lately, but it's time."

"No it isn't. It never will be." Josh turned to look out the hospital window.

"Well, I'll come up with some way to force you to."

G

It was two in the morning and Josh still hadn't gone to bed. Slate blue boxers, a grey hoodie, glasses, and frumpled hair all made up his bumish appearance. Sweeney lay beside him on the couch; his head resting between Josh's Indian-styled legs. Three empty cans of Mountain Dew were crumpled on the coffee table, next to the bowl of nuts.

He took a sip from a new can and lazily changed the channel on the TV. "You wouldn't want to watch a cat show, would you, Sween?" Josh found that the more he talked to Sweeney, the better they both felt. So here, in his messy family room at night, they were spending quality time.

Sweeney whimpered.

"I didn't think so. Re-runs of The Simpsons?"

Sweeney whimpered again.

"Animal Planet?"

Sweeney remained silent.

"Okay, Animal Planet it is. Want some Dew?" Josh held the can of soda next to Sweeney's mouth until the dog stuck out his tongue. Josh poured a little soda, most of it spilling onto the sofa. Neither of them seemed to notice the mess.

"Sweeney, do you think I should get back into music? I wish you could talk. I bet you would have some good advice for me right now. Music still hurts so much, and I don't know if I could handle it. I know I couldn't handle it full time. Imagine if I was on tour right now. I don't think I'll ever do that again."

Sweeney looked up at Josh with his big brown eyes. They were filled with sympathy, and worlds of support.

"I know that you know what it's like to be a loser. Mom says that you had a hard past and that you would need lots of love. I didn't think I would be able to handle you, at first, but it turns out that you are a lot like me." Josh gave Sweeney a noogie. "Sween, will you help me write a song?"

The dog gave a quiet 'yip' of agreement.

"More soda?"

G