“Dogs are feedback loops for positive emotion,” Evan said. “They’re happy to see you, which makes you happy. Then you pet them and they’re even happier, which makes you even happier. They…” She cocked her head. “What?” “Nothing. It’s stupid.” She banged a bony elbow into his sore ribs, and he tried to act like it didn’t hurt. “C’mon, X. Spill the tea.” He cleared his throat. “They teach you the love you deserve.” Her voice was open and curious now, like that of a girl or a young woman—none of the usual teenage testiness. “Why?” she asked. “So maybe you can learn how to give that love back,”
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