Debra Foster walked solemnly into the war zone. At least, it felt like a war zone. In reality, she was walking into a kitchen that had trash strewn everywhere. “Sasha!”

“Yes, Mom?” came a faint voice from upstairs.

“Did you forget to separate the meat from the trash bin again?” There was a pause then the sound of pounding feet racing down the stairs. Sasha stared wide-eyed at the carnage. She groaned and sighed.

“Sorry, Mom. I’ll clean it up.”

“You really need to be more careful. That’s the third time this month!”

“Yes, ma’am,” Sasha mumbled, internally kicking herself at her stupidity. That was when she felt something nudge her leg. She looked down at her pet velociraptor, Aiden. He stood on his two back legs, his tail swishing from side-to-side. In his mouth, he held his red leash, gazing at her hopefully.

Sasha sighed, “I can’t right now.” Turning to gesture at the messy kitchen, she added, “And this is all _your_ fault, you know. I could walk you if I didn’t have to clean _your_ mess!”

Aiden—unable to understand her—just kept staring lovingly, hopefully at her. “Mom—“

“Nope!” Debra interrupted. “I’m not walking your veloci-terror. He escaped from me the last time and almost ate the neighbor’s cat! Can you imagine the trouble that would cause?”

“Then can I take him before I start cleaning? It will be quick. I have a test tomorrow that I need to study for, too.”

Debra sighed in resignation. “As long as this kitchen is cleaned in time for me to make supper, that’s fine. Just make sure it gets done!”

Sasha grinned, “Yes, ma’am!” Then, before her mom could change her mind, Sasha clipped the leash onto Aiden’s harness and walked out the door.