As we watch the flock of birds take flight, Alph hugs me for warmth. I kiss his nose and he chuckles.
"Oh, Louie, you sure know how to make me happy."
"You don't need much to be happy. Your apartment, me..."
"My job and your sumptuous cooking! Seriously, how can you cook so well?"
It's my turn to chuckle.
"I don't know. I've always been good at it."
We look at each other for what seems like an eternity, then at the sky again. More birds fly by.