“Hey, Levon,” she calls out, pulling George’s collar and shouting heel toward the dog’s deaf ears. “This dog obedience thing isn’t working out for us,” she says. “Having trouble keeping up with your own life’s instructions?” Levon asks with a smile. “They did say it would teach you and your dog a lot. The only thing I’m learning, though, is impatience. Hey, is this your dad?” she asks, already extending her skinny arm to Levon’s father who is making his way to the other side of the car. “I’m Lucy Bell,” she says with a smile, “the new neighbor.” “Nice to meet you, Lucy Bell. How are you enjoying the house?” “It’s awesome,” she says, stroking George along his back. It is his reward for sitting still by her feet. “Right, Georgie?” “I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” he says with genuine pleasure. “It’s one of my favorites. Which room is yours, the one with the spiral staircase and the loft?”
