[ WP ] End a story with , `` Oh well , at least the dog was fine . ''

Silvia wrapped the roast in foil, pausing a moment to lick up a stray drop of red juice. 
 
 `` That went well,'' Mark looked back at her as he washed the dishes. `` Looks like the Johnsons really are n't that bad a folk, after all.'' 
 
 `` Not at all,'' Silvia agreed. `` And it seems that Mary and I share a fondness for the same handbag designer.'' 
 
 Mark chuckled. 
 
 `` Yeah, and Dave and I got along alright, too. He did n't even hold it against me when he learned that we're Cowboys fans!'' 
 
 Silvia stood behind Mark and nuzzled the back of his head: 
 
 `` They are good people,'' she said. `` Glad we did n't have to let some silly squabble ruin our friendship. It was for the best, having them over for a nice and reasoned conversation about that little... incident.'' 
 
 Small feet pattered out from a bedroom. A young girl wiped sleep from her eyes, slender wrist wrapped in bandages. They'd be staying on for at least a few more days. Doctor's orders. 
 
 `` Mom, dad,'' she cooed. `` Can I have a glass of water?'' 
 
 Silvia smiled. 
 
 `` Of course, dear.'' 
 
 With the kitchen tidied and the little girl watered Silvia and Mark shared one last glass of red wine as they stood in the dark kitchen. 
 
 `` Oh,'' Silvia said, `` do remember to set the alarm for early, tomorrow. I'm helping Mary hang up some missing dog signs. Feels good to help them out...'' 
 
 `` Yes, indeed,'' Mark said. `` So nice we did n't have to let that unpleasantness sour things.'' 
 
 `` And it was n't really *their* fault, after all. Why, I'm sure their doberman just was n't used to being around children. That's all.'' 
 
 Silvia took a sip of the wine and grimaced, shaking her head: 
 
 `` Too bad about the wine; wish we had something better to serve with the meal.'' 
 
 Mark shrugged and nodded. He ran his tongue along the edge of his lip, catching one stray bit of the roast's juices in his mouth. 
 
 `` Oh, well. At least the dog was fine.''
