Evening Watch

Shoved my wide jaw straight under the fringed hem of the dog cushion. The black dog dropped down with an unceremonious thud, squishing half of his fuzzy weight right onto my rubber snout. Rude brute. I didn't budge. My teeth caught the blue plastic tag hooked on his collar as he rolled, holding him pinned to the rug. Don't squirm, dog. The shadows are stretching long from the hallway, and someone has to keep this perimeter anchored. He huffed once, blowing warm air across my yellow eyes, and fell asleep with his chin propped across my upper jaw. Fine. Rest your heavy skull. I hold the watch.