Marlo the ladybug
Marlo folded her tiny red wings and caught her breath, the table still wobbling a little from the wind she'd been fighting. Harley the pitbull dog tilted her big head, ears flopping, and gave a gentle boof that was more curious than scary. Her tail gave one slow thump against the table leg. "Hi there, little flier," Harley said, voice all rumbly but sweet. "You looked like you were tumbling around up there. I'm Harley. What's your name?" Marlo dusted off her spots and smiled up at the big, droopy-faced pup. "I'm Marlo," she said, a little breathless. "Thanks for not, um... slobbering on me. The wind was rude today." Harley giggled — a big dog giggle. "Wind's rude to me too — blows my ears inside out." She lowered her nose to table level, careful not to make a breeze. "You need a rest stop or a lift somewhere, Marlo?" Harley's ears perked up. "The corn field? Oh!" She looked around ...