Aiden disappeared into the kitchen with Zip dutifully following behind him. While the two of them were grabbing lemon-lime Gatorade, Sprite, Diet Coke, and a bottle of water, Cedric was cautiously approaching Charlotte. He sniffed at her, trying to assess which was greater, his ability to get her shoes or socks or her ability to give a good skritch.

The latter won out, and the Scottie approached the new person with his tail wagging.