“Father! Master!” Suddenly, Little Carl’s voice resounded. Raffles and I looked outside. Little Carl was rushing over with teary eyes. “Father… Master… Little Carl misses you.”

Little Carl ran into Raffles’ embrace. Raffles brushed its hairy head and long bunny ears. “Little Carl is lonely, huh?” 

“Mm!” Little Carl nodded. “Father and Master didn’t come and look for Little Carl. You don’t miss Little Carl!”

“Who said so?” I extended my hand to pet Little Carl’s hairy head. My fingertips brushed against Raffles’ hand that was touching Little Carl’s head too. Raffles immediately retracted his hand and looked away, his ears beginning to turn red again.

My heartbeat sped up because I became embarrassed too. Most...