Getting ready for the shops.

"So do you know any meals you like?"

"Fish."

"Fish isn't a meal sweetie. It can be part of a meal though. Do you like it battered or crumbed? Steamed? Grilled?

You stare blankly at me.

"I'll make it battered. I like it battered. I have to get eggs anyway"

I jot down some more ingredients on the list and check the cupboard thoughtfully

"Do you like sushi?"

"Isn't that just fish"

"Doesn't have to be but it can be, salmon is-" I see your eyes glazing over again and sigh, adding nori and a few other ingredients to the list.

"Okay, I've got stuff for breakfast, lunch and dinner with this list. I've not put anything else on so we don't spend more time than we need there in case you get overwhelmed and we need to leave again"

Your face changes

"Which will be okay. And if not, I'm happy to walk around a bit and get stuff you see you like, okay?"

You nod slowly

I pull my shirt on and look for my shoes

"I picked you out one of my t shirts and some little booty shorts a girl closer to your size left here. You're free to just wear my coat if you don't want to wear clothes but you will be wearing something. I've cut a hole in the shorts for your tail"

You pout a little and pull the shorts on and I help you work the tail through the hole. The shorts are meant to be pretty tight and revealing, but you're so small they're almost just normal shorts on you. I smile a little at this. You pick the shirt up and pull it over your head, but it's so large you get a little lost in it and I have to help you pull it over properly. It's one of my smaller ones but it reaches to your thighs

I grab my keys and the list from the table and pick up your collar, it's padded and pink and has your name on the tag, with my number on the back. You frown at me again

"I know, but it helps keep you next to me, helps keep you safe, and stops people from talking to you or acting like you shouldn't be there"

You nod and I reach forward and pul it around your neck. My hand slides up to your cheek and I hold you face.

"Good girl. I forgot to say you look cute in it too. I hope you learn to like it." I smile as gently as I can at you and your eyes widen a little before you catch yourself.

I grab the leash off the hook and we go to the car