Brutus has been taking lessons in escapism from Suri. He disappeared Friday, and didn't come back.

Well, not on his own, anyway.

Yesterday, on the way home from the S.P.C.A., Jude was so sweet. In comforting tones, he patted Brutus on the head and said, "Did you miss your friend? Are you all right? Suri missed you!"

I'm sure if my wallet still hadn't been smarting so much, I would have appreciated that a lot more.