Yesterday's Gone: Season One

embarrassed,” she said, as though reading his mind. “I know it’s strange, but whatever happened to you only happened because you helped me. That makes it a good thing, right?”
    Luca nodded, but felt like he was going to cry.  
    “It’s okay!” Paola laughed and gave him a playful slap on the knee. “Everything will be fine.” She changed the subject. “What do you think Dog Vader was so upset about?”
    “I’m not sure, but I’ll be able to find out as soon as I fall to sleep.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Oh,” Luca said. “You didn’t know? Dog Vader isn’t really a dog.”
    “What?!”
    “Well, I guess he is a dog, but he’s not just a dog. He’s also an Indian.”
    Paola looked at Luca cross-eyed. “An Indian?”
    “Yes,” Luca said, “but only when I’m sleeping.”  
    “If you’re not messing with me, then you’ll have to tell me everything, starting from the beginning.”
    “Dog Vader is a dog and an Indian. Not the kind from the other country, but the ones you’re not supposed to call Indians, Native Americans. He’s the one who led me to Will.”
    “And he talks to you in your sleep? Like you and Will talk... and like you talked to me?”
    Luca nodded, staring at his shoes, still embarrassed, though not quite sure why.  
    “How do you know you’re not just dreaming something that isn’t really true?” Paola asked.
    “Because he’s always right.”
    “Oh,” Paola said. “So he’s a psychic dog/Indian?”
    “Lunch!” Paola’s mom called from the bar.  
      “What do you think we’re having?” Luca asked.
    “Not sure, but I’m guessing something from a can.” Paola gave Luca a weak smile, then said, “Ready?”
    “Yes.” Luca slid from the chair and started walking toward the bar beside Paola, when John and Jimmy entered the lobby from the hallway.
    Dog Vader started barking again.
    BARK... RUFF RUFF...BARK... RUFF RUFF
    Luca pet Dog Vader. “It’s okay, boy” he said. “Everything’s okay.”
    “Maybe we should put the dog in one of the rooms,” John said.
    “No, he’s okay, right, boy?”
    BARK... RUFF RUFF...BARK... RUFF RUFF
    Desmond said, “Maybe John’s right. Just for lunch. Okay, buddy?”
    “Okay,” Luca looked down, then over at Dog Vader. “Come on,” he said, leading him away by the scruff of his neck.  
    John said, “I’m going to keep watch on the second floor if you don’t mind. I’m a bit worried about what’s happening outside, and not too hungry.”
    “Sure thing, John,” Desmond nodded.  
    Luca led Vader to the kitchen, opened the door, gave him a final pat on the head, then said, “See you soon!” and closed the door behind him.
    Luca returned to the bar and picked at his food. It would have been good if he was hungry, but he couldn’t stop thinking about Dog Vader, or tease his appetite long enough to swallow.
    “Food’s probably going to be a problem, isn’t it Mom?” Paola said.
    Mary said, “Maybe, but I think we’ll be able to manage. We have a ton of stuff in cans, and as long as the population is as small as we think it might be, grocery stores will have plenty. We’ll just need to stock up when we can.”
    “Are you worried?”
    Mary smiled at Paola. “Yes, of course, but I also think were going to get through this.” She shook her head. “No, I know we’re going to get through this.” She stopped spreading peanut butter and set the knife on the bar, then reached across the counter top and kissed Paola on her forehead. “I promise, everything will be fine and I’ll always make everything taste as yummy as I can.”
    “That’s not what I’m worried about, Mom! You could make anything taste good, even if we have to start eating squirrel!”
    “I don’t think we’ll be eating squirrel any time soon, at least I hope not!” Mary looked at Luca’s plate. “You’re not eating anything, sweetheart,” she said. “Just tell me what you want. I’ll make you anything I can.”
    She leaned across the bar but Luca only shook his head and said nothing.
    Mary’s voice dropped to a whisper and she put her hands over Luca’s. “It’s okay,” she said in a nice mom voice. “Everything will be fine. Are you worried about your dog?”
    Luca nodded.
    Mary smiled. “How about I make a delicious meal for Dog Vader and something else for you? I’ll put his food in a doggie bag and yours on a tray, then you all can eat in the kitchen with him. Or,” her voice dropped even lower,