For every dog lover, there is a moment when you know that you are their whole world. A heartbreakingly devoted look, a lean against your knees, a sympathetic whine – Sedge had told her, in every way possible, that Elizabeth was her reason for living, her universe. And the trust and love that implied always manages to catch Elizabeth’s breath, even years later and light-years away.

She narrows her eyes, watching John flirt shamelessly with the alien blonde on the impromptu “dance floor,” and turns away before the sick feeling in her stomach can claw its way up to her heart.