Rocky arrived home with a birthday cake and a bag of food.

“Nice timing, Rocky. I am so hungry,” Jazzy said while rubbing her tummy.

“Jazzy!” Rocky glared. “You forgot to lock the door again.”

“Oopsie.” Jazzy tapped her index fingers together. “So sorry.”

“Please, Jazzy. Always lock the door.” Rocky set the food on the dining table. “You’ll never know who might come barging in.”

“I promise I won’t do it again,” Jazzy replied, squeezing her hands together.

Ralph stared at Rocky. Raquel Lopez, 18 years of age. She had been through a lot. Both of them have. But don’t worry, girls. I am here to help.

“As requested by the birthday girl,” Rocky said while taking the food out from the bag. “Our dinner is a bucket of fried tofu extra spicy, two vegan spaghetti Italian-style, and one large coleslaw.”

“Yes!” Jazzy pumped her fist. “I love coleslaw.”

Hiding behind the coffee table, Ralph watched them eat. The two people on my mission are both here. Look at them, so happy together.

“Rocky, thanks for the gifts.”

“Did you like them both?”

“A-ha! I knew both were from you. And yes, I love all of them. The baseball stuff matched perfectly well with my metal bat and holster. But I love the second gift even more.” Jazzy hugged her sister. “Thank you so much, Rocky.”

“Huh?” Rocky tilted her head. “The baseball items were my two gifts.”

“Ralph?” Jazzy looked under the table. “Where are you, buddy? There you are.” She beckoned her puppy. “Come here.”

RULF! Ralph approached the two sisters while wagging his tail.

“Whoa! Where did you get that guy?” Rocky asked. “Look at him. He’s so adorable.”

Uh-huh. That is so true. Ralph bobbed his head. I protect, I attack, and most importantly, I am adorable.

“He’s not from you?” Jazzy shrugged. “Regardless, somebody gave me this cute fawn French bulldog.”

“Who? Was it one of our neighbors?” Rocky gasped. “Don’t tell me you have a secret admirer. Listen to me, Jazzy. You are too young to have a boyfriend.”

“What are you talking about?” Jazzy squinted. “Anyway, the parcel just said sent to Jasmine Lopez, from Jazzy Lopez with no return address.”

“What? Do you mean to tell me this puppy came from a package? That’s horrible. You poor thing,” Rocky picked Ralph up. “Ugh! You are one heavy dog.” She examined the puppy. “Are you all right?”

What is so wrong to be sent through a parcel? I should tell her that I am fine. RULF! Ralph nodded and wagged his tail. That should do the trick.

“Come to think of it, only you and Daddy knew that I love fawn French bulldog.”

“Yeah. Dad knew about your weird thing with fawn French bulldogs.” Rocky pondered the idea, then shook her head. “Nah, it’s not possible.”

“Oh my goodness!” Jazzy smacked her palm to her forehead. “I totally forgot.” She stared Ralph in the face. “So sorry, buddy. You must be so hungry. You have not eaten anything since you got here.” Her eyes widened. “Wait a minute. Water, I forgot to give you even water. You poor thing. Here you go.”

She held a piece of fried tofu right in front of her puppy, but Ralph shook his head.

“Huh? Is that a no?”

How do I explain this to her? I don’t eat or drink. I only need recharging and updating my data from time to time. Ralph pumped his right paw. A-ha! Her laptop can help. Ralph darted to Jazzy’s room. Leaping to the chair, he used the touchpad and opened a blank document. Hmm. This should do for now. Ralph began typing slowly. It’s difficult, but I can do this. I only need some practice.

“Did you see that, Rocky? Ralph shook his head. Does that mean Ralph is not a vegan?”

“So, are you telling me Ralph has not eaten anything since he got here?” Rocky glared at Jazzy, placing her hands on her hips. “Not even water?”

“Yyyyyes.” Jazzy squinted. “So sorry.” She squeezed her hands together. “But I promise I will make it up to him.”

“Be responsible, Jazzy. It’s your dog, your responsibility. Got it?”

“Yes, Sir!” Jazzy saluted and rushed to her room. She found Ralph busy on her computer. “Aww. He’s so cute.” Jazzy tilted her head. “Hmm. What are you doing, buddy?”

RULF! Ralph wagged his tail. It’s a good thing my grammar and spelling are updated. Jazzy should have no trouble understanding what I typed.

Jazzy snapped some pictures. “Hey, Rocky. You got to see this.” She approached and froze, reading the computer screen. I am not a real dog. That means I don’t eat or drink. Anyway, I like the name you gave me. Love – Ralph.

She sat on the chair with her puppy on her lap. “Ralph, did you really type that?”

Huh? Who else could have done that? Oh, I see. She’s in a state of shock. I guess I need to take things slow with her and Raquel. Ralph typed some more.

She read on. Jazzy, you need to finish your dinner first. And don’t say anything yet to your sister. Don’t worry. We have all night to get to know each other. Okay?

“Okay, Ralph.” Jazzy squeezed her puppy before returning to her dinner.

Looking around, Ralph found an electrical wall socket. Great. Just the thing I need. Circling around, he stopped with his tail positioned near the outlet. His corkscrew tail plugged into the socket. Ooh. That feels so good.

“So, what’s up with your dog?” Rocky asked.

“Oh, Ralph told me he would eat later.”

“Remember, now. Ralph is your responsibility. I cannot help much because I have a lot of things on my plate.”

“Don’t worry. I got this.”

“Anyway, I’m done with my dinner. I will set up your birthday cake.”

“I hope it’s mocha.” Jazzy crossed her fingers.

“Of course, it is.” Rocky ruffled Jazzy’s hair. “I know mocha is your favorite.”

“Yippee!” Jazzy threw her hands in the air. “Oh, wait. I want Ralph to see this too. Ralph! Come see my birthday cake.”

Ralph bolted back to the dining room while Rocky lighted the single candle.

“Sit on my lap, Ralph,” Jazzy said.

Ralph jumped to her lap.

“Ugh! I always forget how heavy you are,” she complained.

Yes, I am heavy. I’m 12 inches tall, weighing 25 pounds.

“Happy thirteenth birthday. Make a wish and blow out the candle,” Rocky said.

I wish the world will become a better place for Rocky and me. Jazzy blew the candle.

“So, what did you wish for?”

“Secret.”

“Aww. You are adorable.” Rocky said.

“Thanks.”

“I was talking to Ralph.”

“Haha! Nice one.” Jazzy laid her head on Rocky’s shoulder. “Thanks for everything, Rocky. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Rocky rested her head on Jazzy. They hugged.