I humbly apologize for my lack of speed in story telling, but I assure you that my tale has not been forgotten. It is simply a difficult task to fulfill when your master does not know of your story. Now, I am most positive that I left us in the aftermath of the man I now know as Neal's first visit.
It had officially been decided, due to Elizabeth's stubborn and determined nature, that Neal would, be invited over for dinner on Saturday. The days between visits were normal, Master would come home with a story to tell of his adventures at work and Elizabeth would bring home deliciously smelling food for Master to try. I still have no knowledge as to why Master's face contorted in a way that seemed absolutely painful. The food smelled safe, but I suppose that I could be wrong. Maybe if Elizabeth let me try…
Anyway, on the day of Neal's second visit, Master had been acting rather strangely. He rushed around the house in a frantic manner, taking expensive things and shoving them in drawers. Master even pulled out the locks that he had used when I was just a puppy! I wasn't sure why he was going to such great lengths to keep these items safe, because I surely wasn't going to destroy them and Neal had seemed very careful during the previous visit. Had I misjudged him? I vowed to guard these items with my life, just in case. Master would be proud, I was sure.
The time had finally come for Neal to arrive, and he was perfectly punctual, of course. Elizabeth had rushed to the door and welcomed him inside, telling him to make himself at home. He was slightly unsure, I could smell it, but he smiled nonetheless and thanked her graciously, placing his hat on the rack and scratching behind my ears with a loving "hello, Satch." Master was still nowhere to be seen, most likely installing deadbolts and chains on the doors upstairs. Elizabeth seemed to notice as well, and called him downstairs to welcome their guest.
I could smell the tension between the two men as they shook hands. "Neal," was all that Master said as greeting. Neal responded with a cheery, "Peter." Elizabeth shook her head, muttering "you two are impossible" so quietly that I was sure I was the only one who heard it. Great hearing is one of the many advantages to being a dog.
Elizabeth ran off to check on the food, leaving Neal alone with Master. "Come on, Peter, at least try to look like your enjoying yourself for Elizabeth's sake. I'm not going to steal anything. Promise."
Master shook his head and put a hand on Neal's shoulder. "We'll see."
I do not think Master realized how hurtful his words were to Neal. His eyes were downcast and he nodded slowly. It disappeared as soon as Elizabeth sauntered into the room with a bowl full of spaghetti, commanding them to help her set the table, and was replaced by a perfectly fitting grin. I have wondered, ever since that day, how he did it. Even I could barely see the sadness anymore, and I have never come across another human that could hide his emotions as well as Neal. I trotted up to him and pushed my head under his hand. His smile was real now as he crouched down to pet me and play with my ears before he went to help set the table.
They ate with casual conversation, as most people do, but I could still sense the tension between Master and Neal. Master kept glancing at him out of the corner of his eye, and then to the drawer where he hid most of his valuable items. Neal noticed, I could tell, but he hid it and continued talking animatedly with Elizabeth. After all of the food was gone, the tension started to slip away a little. Master stopped watching Neal and Neal began to really smile more. Elizabeth and I both heard the way they talked to each other, and I rested my head in her lap and watched. She was smiling, so I was happy.
That was the day that Elizabeth knew. I only knew half of it, the half that I had decided to see.