"Heyyyy, Scout," says Johnny, relieved to see the dog, in spite of the noise. He crouches down, and ends up sitting. Scout bounces back and forth between them, overjoyed to have people again. "Hey. Hey. Calm down. Shhh, shh." Johnny tries to get him to settle, scratching behind his ears. "Sorry I was gone so long, buddy."

Scout licks his nose, then turns back to Seth, wagging his tail happily.

Johnny smiles and straightens up with a great deal of effort, meandering to the kitchen, where he fills Scout's bowls with food and water. He goes through the motions of making coffee, then drifts back toward his bed. He sits down and fidgets with his shoes.

"You can stay if you want," he says. "Coffee, dog. Or, you know, whatever. I'm probably gonna pass out again pretty soon." Kicking his shoes off, he flops onto his back. Christ, this hangover.