Something cold and wet pressed against Clark's hand, rousing him from sleep. He stirred, blinked the bleariness from his eyes, and soon found himself nose-to-nose with his newest furry friend. “Uh? Krypto?”

A leather strap landed on his chest, and the canine responded with a plaintive “woof”.

“Aren't you supposed to be with Lois…?” Clark sat up and noticed the trail of muddy footprints leading to his wide-open door. Just how tired had he been, last night? Luckily, there was no sign that anyone had taken anything.

He scratched the pup behind his floppy ears, which sent his tail wagging. “Sorry, boy. I didn't mean to forget you. I guess this week hit me pretty hard.”

Clark stood and clipped Krypto's leash onto his collar, which started a new round of happy barking. “Come on, let's get out of here before anyone sees you.” As he reached the open door, he paused. “You know, you really do take after Lois.”


END


~•~