Lightning streaked through the sky, and rain pattered against the windows of the sprawling Victorian house. Ellie peered at the dark clouds. They seemed to be stuck over the tiny town of Salem Falls. Another rumble of thunder growled as she tugged the sheets from the bed and dumped them in the laundry basket.
Lola, her miniature bulldog, lifted her head as the thunder boomed, offering a growl.
“It’s just a storm, Lola,” Ellie said.
“I don’t like it. It’s too loud,” the dog answered.
“I know you don’t like it, but it’s okay. Why don’t you go take a nap in the bedroom? It won’t be as loud there.”
Lola’s dark brown eyes studied her. “What if you need me?”
“I’m just doing laundry. I’ll be fine.”
“You never know what could happen,” Lola answered.
“Tell you what. I just need to throw these in the wash, then we’ll curl up together with a movie.”
Cleo stalked into the room, shaking her tail. “You making popcorn? It’s the least you can do.”
Ellie hefted the basket onto her hip and stared at the black cat across the room. “Least I can do? What’s that mean?”
“For subjecting us to this weather,” Cleo shot back as they trailed behind Ellie down to the laundry room.
“I didn’t subject you to it! I can’t help that it’s raining.”
Lola craned her neck to stare up at Ellie as she loaded the washer. “But since it is, we should have popcorn.”
“Fine. Why don’t you two go pick a movie, and I’ll make the popcorn?”
“How do you expect us to do that?” Cleo asked. “I can’t work the TV.”
“Yes, you can. You turn it on in the middle of the night all the time.”
“By accident. I accidentally walk on it.”
Ellie slammed the lid shut and set a hand on her hip. “Oh, really? By sheer chance? Yeah, right. Because you happen to do it whenever you want my attention.”
“Not true. I figure while you’re up, though, there’s time for a quick chat.”
“Whatever,” Ellie said.
