The dad returned the umbrella to the patio, propping it up in its stand and lifting its bright orange canopy until it locked into place.
As he did, Mutt, Karen, Poo-Poo, and Stripes enjoyed their second tacos in the shade of that big pine tree.
And as his friends enjoyed their second tacos, Stick Dog ate his first. He was well hidden but still in the sunshine. It was delicious—and Stick Dog savored those flavors in his mouth, chewing slowly. As he chewed, he kept an eye on that large male human.
After successfully returning the umbrella, the dad looked cautiously toward the corner of the house. It seemed like he didn’t want to get caught doing something—again. He shoved his right hand into that bag and pulled out another taco.
Only it wasn’t a taco.
It was a pinecone.
Stick Dog knew it.
But the large male human did not know it.
Yet.
Stick Dog stopped chewing and watched. If the large male human found the pinecone, Stick Dog would lead his friends back through the woods—and back to the safety of his pipe under Highway 16. They were fed for the night. If they had to leave now, it would be okay. They had, after all, enjoyed guacamole, chips, and tacos.
But Stick Dog wanted a little more time—just a little more time—to do one more thing here. He wasn’t quite sure what it was, but his instincts told him there was more to accomplish.
Unfortunately, Stick Dog was not going to get the chance. The large male human began to peel the first bit of aluminum foil off that pinecone that he thought was a taco.
Stick Dog knew this food-finding mission was over.
The human unwrapped the aluminum foil a bit more.
Stick Dog turned to his friends. It was time to tell them to hurry back to his pipe.
But Stick Dog didn’t tell them that at all.
Right then, the small female human called from the other side of the house.
“Dad! Come on!” she screamed. “Let’s play the game so we can get to dinner!”
The large male human stopped and held still. He looked down at the taco in his hand and then to the corner of the house. He looked back and forth two more times.
And then he pressed the aluminum foil back in place.
“Coming!” he called, and shoved the pinecone back into the bag and began to walk toward the side yard. “One game to twenty-one points! Parents versus kids. Then dinner!”