Pets need Walkies (Lea's perspective)

"What are those bastards on the council going to make us do to her now?" I asked.

Craig grimmaced. "We're not allowed to keep her inside, for starters. Pets are supposed to spend at least an hour per day outdoors, and if we don't make sure she does Mackenzie will be assigned a new owner."

That's what he was making a big deal out of? "Ok, so we take her for a walk? That doesn't sound like a problem."

"That's not all, but there's no reason to have this conversation twice." Before I could stop him, the big lunk walked up to Mackenzie's room and knocked loud enough to be heard over the music. At first there was no response and he was about to knock again, but then the music stopped and the door opened.

Looking past Craig's shoulder (ok fine, peeking around his arm) I made eye contact with Mackenzie. She fidgeted for a moment as she looked from him to me before her gaze went to the floor. "I'm sorry I kissed your boyfriend, Lea. I'm sorry I kissed you too, actually. I'm acting like a total ditz, but I'll try to get a hold of myself."

My answer was almost shouted. "Oh come on Mac, we're not mad at you! You're holding it together better than I would, and FYI: I liked kissing you. So did Craig, but that goes without saying. That's not even what we're here for. They just released some new rules you have to hear."

"Oh." She took a deep breath. "Lay it on me."

With all the tact of someone who doesn't have any tact, Craig blurted it out. "They say pets have to be taken on walks."

Mackenzie seemed confused for a second. "Walks? You mean like... don't tell me you're gonna put me on a leash."

"What? Nobody said anything about a leash." I looked at Craig nervously. "Right?"

"Um. No? I mean it's optional, but no. We just need to take you outside for an hour. And part of that time has to be spent in the park, or some other green area."

"A green area? To do what?"

Craig looked as confused as Mackenzie when he answered. "To walk around barefoot. They think contact with nature is important for your mental wellness."

Mackenzie just laughed. "If they say so! Are we going right now? Not like I have anything better to do."