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Becca tried to follow Gaby's advice but found it almost impossible. She placed the novel back into the bookshelf that lined one side of the lodge and looked at the beady-eyed red cardinal on its wooden perch. “It's not polite to stare,” she muttered to the lifeless bird.

She walked outside, surprised again at how quickly and drastically the weather had turned. Just yesterday she'd been comfortable in only a T-shirt and jeans. She zipped her jacket.

Beau appeared and sat at her feet. The dog gazed adoringly at Becca. Then, he yipped twice and trotted down the path. When Becca didn't immediately follow, he stopped and yipped again.

“OK. Fine. It's not like I have anything else to do.” Becca followed the dog, enjoying the cold tinge on her nose and the refreshing humidity in the air. Just a……