An owl had perched itself outside Vernon’s den. Snuggled up on the couch and watching a horror film, the couple JUMPED at the sound...and then were both overcome with the giggles.

“Oh dear! That was frightening--” Petunia covered her mouth as she laughed.

“Yeah--considering what’s--” and he gestured at the movie, where something gory and disgusting had just happened, accompanied with intense surprise music.

“I don’t really like owls.”

“Why not?” Vernon asked, stroking her hair behind her ear.

“They...remind me of my sister.” Seeing his look, she clarified with a lie. “I just mean...she loves owls.”