Page 4 of Pieces: A Companion Piece

Preparing you, I suppose.

Macklin and I just huddled under an umbrella and stared. We saw the force you both put behind each blow, each kick, and how fast you were.

“You know you want it,” Reese growled. “Retreat! Give it up!”

I’ll never forget how you let the threat of defeat fuel you instead. Your determination is something else, Shay. Right there in the downpour, you ducked low to evade Reese’s kick, and you spun on him, hands balled into fists, and you all but roared your response.

“Retreat, hell!”

A guy like you can lose.

But your enemy better bring a whole fucking army.

I have no doubt we’ll see you again. And I have no doubt you’ll recover and come out on the other side even stronger.

Because that’s who you are.

From Franklin

I’ll admit I read Jack’s letter to you before I sat down to write something too.

I’m not sure what to say, though. His words ring true for me as well. You are such a strong young man, Shay.

More than that, you have two loving partners you feel safe with—to lower your guard with and to be vulnerable with.

Once you come home, I hope they will remind you that you don’t always have to be strong. Especially after what you’re going through now. I can’t even imagine.

If there’s anything I can do—actually, I will make offers in person once we see each other again.

You want another dog without asking your Owners? Call me. I’ll drive you to the shelter. A cat? Same thing. A chipmunk? I’ll borrow Noa for you.

I wish I could write something that actually helped or made something better.

May happiness and relief find you soon.

-Franklin

From Jack

With you gone, Macklin has completely gone off the rails. He made sandwiches with ham and banana. An hour later, he was pushing toast with ham steak and barbecued pineapple. I can’t fucking take it anymore. I also heard from Corey that Macklin tried to serve him fried chicken with pickled grape jelly.

So, new discovery about Macklin unlocked. When he’s worried sick about a friend, he becomes obsessed with pairing savory with sweet. The Extreme Version.

You better come home and restore the balance.

FROM THE BRAT SQUAD

Hello, we are the Brat Squad. In case you’re feeling lost or don’t remember how to navigate your return, we are happy to help. Thank you for your time.

When you feel low, immediately call out to Daddy and Master, and they’ll come running.

Wear them jammies. Always be wearing them jammies. They be comfy.

Cuddle your dogs and maybe ask for a third.

Let’s face it. Your Owners will insist you talk to a professional. But make sure the before and after is all about things you love. (Kit proposes ice cream and movies.)

You can always call the Brat Squad if you wish to be entertained. Like, we could totally prank a Sadist to make you laugh.