Before Prologue Chapter:

Three days after the passing of Lyon's parents, a private service was held at the funeral home. It was 12 PM in the afternoon, and already was everything set up for the service to begin. The room contained a small altar with flowers in an ornate pattern. Flowers such as white lilies and lavenders were in an old-fashioned pattern along with ribbons to match the colors of the flowers. On the center of the altar were the parents' coffins; along with the decorated altar were just a few chairs since this is a small service that only involved Marc and Audrey's closest friends. Some funeral home workers were ensuring that everything was set right. One of them brought a wreath of flowers that had both the couples' photo and set it right in front of the coffins.

Lyon came to the room to see the coffins of his parents. He wore a black tuxedo with a black tie, knowing it is important to dress well for his parents' farewell. He slowly approached the coffin of his father, sat near him, and leaned his head on the coffin. He still cannot fathom how everything has happened in a moment's instance. Knowing that he is an only child, makes it extremely tough to know he has nobody left in his life to take care of him. He closed his eyes for a moment and thought he could have shed a tear, but it was hard to feel anything.

The priest soon came in the room; he was an elderly black Labrador Retriever with round glasses, a stubble in his muzzle, and had his book with him. The priest saw young Lyon at the altar and approached with a solemn manner. Lyon turned his back and saw the priest, and the priest patted Lyon on the shoulder. "The service will begin soon. Will you be alright, mate?", asked the priest. Lyon simply nodded.

"I know it's been a struggle for you. Losing a parent at your current age."

Lyon huffed out a sigh. He was at a loss for words to say to the elder. Just now some adults came in the room, who were the closest friends of Marc and Audrey. Some of them wore formal attire, and as they entered the room. Most of them brought flowers in pots and placed them by the altar. They also signed the guestbook placed near the altar as well and took their seats; on the left represented Marc's colleagues from the oil rig, and on the right were Audrey's closest friends from her job at the hospital. Lyon came down the altar and saw many of them; most of the adults gave a stare at the young dog. Lyon crossed his arms, not knowing what to say. It felt vexing to know he was the only child at the funeral. He took his seat by his father's side since he didn't want to be near a bunch of women on his mother's side.

Just now the priest walked to the podium, fiddling with his glasses. He was preparing his eulogy speech as he was opening his book. "We gather today on this solemn day where we pay our tributes to a couple. Marc Gabriel Laurent and Audrey Mae Laurent, have left this world. Not only have we sensed our own personal feelings of loss over the couple's passing, but our hearts have been drawn toward them, and will continue to be with them. We also would like to express our condolences to their only son, Lyon, who is going through this tough ordeal," said the priest. A solemn atmosphere filled the room. Everyone in the room stood in a moment of silence. The priest kept up with his speech with great sincerity.

Lyon stood in silence with a blank expression. He never exhibited any emotion at the service. All he could do was stare at the altar with his parents in the center, and the priest giving out his speech. Some of the adults felt the desolate sensation. Some of the ladies wiped their tears, and the gentlemen stood in silence with their paws clutched together.

After one hour of hearing the priest's speech, he closed his book. "Now, we shall now go to the cemetery and bring the couples together to their resting place." Four funeral workers grabbed the coffins and headed to the doors with everyone behind them. The priest led the entire group to the door to the cemetery behind the funeral home. The cemetery was a heavily deciduous forest with a variety of trees, oak, birch, pine, and willow. The path was stone paved that led to the gates. Behind the gates contained many tombstones of the deceased. Lyon slowly approached the gates only to see lots of stones with the names of the dead. He felt a shiver in his spine to know his parents will be buried underground like the rest of the others.

The group arrived at their destination. The place to bury Lyon's parents was by the river. The river had a small waterfall, and a large willow tree stretched beyond the riverbank. The spot was already dug up with a pile of dirt next to the large hole, and the workers soon laid the coffins in the hole. The priest soon gave a final eulogy speech. Beside him was a table that had a bowl of ashes and white roses. Everyone was instructed to grab a scoop of ash and rose and toss them right into the coffins. The adults formed a single file line. One by one, each dog tossed in the ash and flower. Lyon was the last one to give his parents an offering. Scooping up the ash with his paw and grabbing the flower, he stood in front of the whole with his eyes closed. "I love you," he whispered, and tossed both the ash and rose in the pile of ash heap and roses.

The workers start filling up the hole with dirt and gave the earth a solid pat with their shovels. Lyon looked up at the gravestone engraved with his parents' names.

Marc Gabriel Laurent and Audrey Mae Laurent

1975-20XX and 1981-20XX

The tombstone had a dove bird symbol engraved above the inscription with a flower on its beak. Lyon knelt down to the gravestone's level and placed his paw on the gravestone. He closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. Why did you have to leave me so soon?

Light rain soon poured down on the ceremony; some of the adults soon took their leave after the burial was complete. The priest soon approached Lyon. "Lyon, the ceremony is finished," replied the priest.

Lyon didn't want to go just yet. "Please, I would like a little more time. I just want to be alone for a while if that's okay?"

"But you will catch a cold, mate."

"I don't care! Just please…I need some alone time," growled Lyon. The priest backed off when Lyon shouted. He didn't want to make the situation any worse. "Alright, just a few minutes. But you must know that someone from the foster home will be picking you up soon. I don't want you coming back there with a cold from the rain, okay?"

Lyon rolled his eyes and turned away from the priest. He took a blank stare at the gravestone and started to think how things will change now that his parents are no longer with him. Everything was happening so fast for the poor young malamute. He will miss his old life when everything was right as rain.

Another adult soon walked up to Lyon. Lyon heard footsteps, and he clenched his paws in annoyance knowing it could be the priest again. "I said I need alone time," shouted Lyon. He turned his head and saw a different adult dog instead. It was a red heeler; the adult was in a black suit just like Lyon. He seems to have long hair on the right side of his head. "Oh…I'm sorry. I thought you were the priest. I told him I needed a few minutes," replied Lyon expressing his sorry.

"Nah mate, you're cool. I just wanted to check up on you that's all," the red heeler said. He knelt to the pup's level. "Look, I'm sorry you are going through this. I just wanted to let you know your dad was one of my best mates I've worked with." The red heeler expressed great sympathy for Lyon. Lyon looked down and sighed. "Thank you for your concern, Mr…..?"

"Radley Heeler, but you can just call me Rad. No need for the formalities," said Rad. "I just miss them so much," said Lyon with a depressed tone. "I bet you do, mate. Me and your dad go way back. We were very good friends before we entered the oil rig business," said Rad.

"Oh, I didn't know that. Dad never really mentioned that to me before."

"Ah, well, I guess this is the first time hearing this coming from me." The rain soon poured even heavier. "Why don't we head back inside now? It's raining cats and dogs," advised Rad. Although Lyon did want a few minutes longer, he should probably listen to Rad's advice. The two rushed back inside the funeral home's lobby soaking wet in their suits. Lyon sat in the chair fiddling with his fingers. "So, you don't know any family? No one to take you in" inquired Rad. "No, I don't think so," said Lyon. "I was told someone from the orphanage will pick me up. We're going back to my house to collect some things to take with me."

Lyon's ears dropped down while crossing his arms. Rad rubbed his neck, not knowing what to say. Come on, Rad. Think. What should I say to make the kid feel better?

"Mr. Heeler, why did you bring me inside? You could have left just like the rest of the group," asked Lyon. Rad's eyes widened; he was surprised how a kid would be this grim. "Look mate, no need for the misters, and I'm doing this because your dad was really a good friend. A friend that I have always leaned on. I'm sure he wouldn't want you out there all alone in the rain. I know it must be hurting, but you've got to pull yourself together."

"But I am alone. I don't have anyone left. They were all I have."

Great job, Rad. You've made things even worse. Rad rubbed his hair and took a deep breath. "That may be so, but that does not mean you are alone. You will be surrounded by other adults to take care of you then. Eventually, you will have someone to adopt you. Just because things look bad now, doesn't mean things won't get better."

Those words hit Lyon really hard, although he does have point. Lyon stared up at the ceiling, moving his feet. "I wonder if they're watching me up there," he sighed.

"I bet they are. There's no need to force yourself to smile when you are hurting Lyon. If you need to cry, then do so. It'll do you some good."

Lyon tried to cry, but it seems so hard to let out any tears. Instead, he rushed to Rad with a hug. Rad was stunned at that random moment, but he couldn't blame the young pup. "Oh, okay. I guess that too," he said patting Lyon's back.

The two were alone at that moment. While Lyon kept hugging the adult heeler, Rad kept patting Lyon for comfort. Rad felt something inside him. Hugging a child like this gave him a warm feeling. Although he wasn't married, he always thought of starting a family. He wondered if this moment meant a father would be there to comfort his own child when they are at their lowest moments. His job however required him to live in the oil field for months, so he didn't really have the time to find a relationship. Lyon hugging Rad felt strange at first, but it almost felt like he was hugging his own father again. It didn't make sense for the young one to feel like hugging a stranger would substitute his need for comfort from his real father.

The door opened, and another adult gave out a cough. The two turned to the door, and there was one of the foster care workers ready to pick Lyon on. "I don't mean to disturb you, but I have come to pick up Mr. Laurent," said the woman. She was a dark poodle with green glasses and had a clipboard with her. "Oh, yeah, sorry about that," said Rad with a sheepish tone. Lyon looked up at the adult poodle. He nervously waved hello. The adult poodle soon looked at her clipboard and saw Lyon's information. "Lyon Alexandre Laurent, age six, correct," she asked in a strict tone. Lyon nodded with his paws behind his back. The poodle soon noticed his wet clothes. "Goodness child, you are drenched. Did you not have an umbrella," asked the poodle with a strict face. "No, ma'am, I didn't have one with me during the ceremony," said Lyon looking down at his feet.

"I see. Worry not, I did bring one with me, and a towel to dry you up. I do believe you know we are going back to your house to gather any personal belongings."

"Right," muttered Lyon. He turned back to Rad and walked up to him. He held his paw to shake Rad's paw. "Mr.- I mean Rad, thank you for keeping me company until my ride came."

"No worries, mate. I just wanted to make sure you're okay," replied Rad shaking Lyon's paw back. Lyon let out a weak smile to show his gratitude to Rad. He soon got into the poodle's 4x4 car. The orphanage worker sat on the driver's seat. Rad walks out of the building watching the car drive away from the funeral home. One of the other male adults from the funeral called out to him. "Hey, Rad! What's the holdup?" shouted a bulldog. Rad snapped out and turned his back to his friend. "Yeah, I'm coming Brett," he hollered back.

The red heeler caught up with Brett, who was a cream-colored bulldog. "Sorry, I was just checking up on Marc's kid. He was all alone back there," explained Rad.

"I still can't believe he's gone. Marc was a good man," said Brett.

"Yeah, still hard to believe that. I feel worse his kid is all alone. He really doesn't have any relatives nearby."

"I'll admit it must have been hard for that youngster. When we were at the altar, his expression to everyone was empty. He never cried, never said a word. He never interacted with any of us, but I'm surprised he talked to you."

Rad soon thought about what Lyon said about not having any relatives. It was a real mystery why Marc nor Audrey ever mention having anyone related to them living in Brisbane.

Present Day:

In an oil refinery located in the sea, Rad was in his room. Three weeks after the funeral, he couldn't stop thinking about Lyon. He seemed like a very bright, and kind young man only to face the harsh reality of losing his parents at a young age. He only met Lyon a few times when he was visiting with Marc on occasions back home. The two never really interacted as much, but he knew the Laurents had a good son.

"I wonder," muttering to himself. He rose from the bunker bed and grabbed his cell phone. He dialed his young brother, Bandit, who was the middle child of the Heeler brothers. He was hoping a bit of advice would maybe consider his potential decision.

While the phone was ringing, Rad thought to himself if this is what he has considered for a long time.

"Hello," said a voice from the cell phone.

"Hey Bandit, it's me," said Rad.

"Rad, what a surprise," exclaimed Bandit. "How are things in the oil rig?"

"It's been well, brother. But's that not what I wanted to talk about. I wanted to ask a question."

Bandit raised his brow. It's not often his older brother would seek advice from the middle child. "Okay. Shoot."

"What's fatherhood like to you? You seem to be an expert with this sort of thing," inquired Rad.

Bandit did not expect that sort of question to come to mind. "Well, it is a commitment that's for sure. But it is well worth it in the long run. Why the question though?"

"Oh, well um, I just had this random thought of what it is like to have kids. I mean, it never crossed my mind until now, and seeing how I'm always away from home, I don't really have the time to find a relationship to start a family," said Rad. He never felt so awkward asking a question to his brother.

Bandit was raising suspicion about his brother's tone. It's clear there's more to it than just a question. "Okay, out with it. What's really going on," said Bandit.

Rad moaned. He knew Bandit wouldn't fall for his dodgy question. "Alright, the thing is…remember my mate, Marc? The one that passed away three weeks ago along with his wife, Audrey?"

"Oh, yeah I remember," added Bandit. "He was your best mate, wasn't he?"

"Yes, and they had this son. His name is Lyon. He doesn't have any relatives in Brisbane, so he currently lives in an orphanage. I was thinking, if maybe seeking a relationship was not an option, I could…you know, consider adoption?"

Bandit was surprised yet again. It is no wonder why the eldest brother would come up with a question like this. "It is a huge responsibility, Rad. And seeing that you live in an oil refinery often for the next months, it's going to make it harder for the kid to be on his own all the time, and you don't have a wife. to take care of him"

"I know that. I just thought if I could secure a position near home, I wouldn't have to be away so often anymore. That is if my boss allows me to request that transfer. That way I can always come home when he needs me. I mean, it's not that much of a crazy idea is it?"

"That may work, but as I mentioned it is a huge responsibility. Not saying you shouldn't do it. I think it is a great idea, but you need to consider that parenting is not all fun and games. Take it from someone who must deal with two girls," explained Bandit.

"That I know for sure, little brother," added Rad. "The poor kid doesn't have anyone left in his life. I think he needs someone to be there for him."

"I think the choice is completely up to you. I can tell you do want to help your mate's kid, but it's going to take a lot of work to raise a kid on your own. However, I think you might enjoy the challenge, and if you do consider it, you have me and Stripe. We know what the experience is like so if you ever need to reach out for advice, we've got your back," said Bandit.

Rad looked through his window while holding the phone near his ear. "Maybe I could. I should probably sleep on it tonight and be ready to explain to my boss about the transfer. I'm sure he'll understand."

"Worth a shot," added Bandit. A shattering noise was heard on Bandit's end. "Oh no, that can't be good," moaned the blue heeler. "I got to go, Rad. I hope Bluey and Bingo didn't get themselves hurt in that incident."

"Right, mate. See ya later," added Rad. He hung up and put his phone behind his pillow. Rad lay down on his bed again with his arms behind his head, thinking about his decision. Maybe this can work. I think I can be a good father. He thought to himself, and slowly closed his eyes, drifting to sleep.