An elderly man living with Parkinson’s discovered a shivering senior dog at his gate — and somehow, their unsteady bodies became a source of calm for one another.

became unavoidable. At seven, I took my medication. At seven-oh-five, she took hers inside a small piece of cheese. At seven-fifteen, we stepped onto the porch and assessed the weather like retired farmers with strong opinions.

If it was raining, Mabel looked offended.

If it was snowing, she looked betrayed.

If it was sunny, she acted as though she’d continue reading …