[ WP ] scientists have invented a serum that allows animals to speak . Your dog was recently given the serum , but it appears the treatment has not worked . Your cousin , whom you have n't seen since your youth , comes to town to visit . As the door opens , your dog suddenly whispers in your ear : `` run . ''

I felt frozen. 
 
 My cousin Beth opened her arms and yelled, `` Surprise! I hope you do n't mind me letting myself in, I remembered where you keep the spare and figured I'd try to sneak up on you.'' She explained with a laugh. 
 
 I shook off my surprise and shot a look at the seat next to me where Coot was now laying. He let out a huff and grumbled to his feet. 
 
 Coot was old when we first adopted him years ago. The shelter said he had been found wandering along a country road, probably dumped there by his family instead of paying the fee at the shelter to relinquish him. Happens a lot out here. But he's a good dog. Easy going. Lovable. But old as dirt and rickety. 
 
 So when the serum did n't lead to long chats about life on the front porch and a deeper connection forged through communication we all laughed and figured you really could n't teach an old dog new tricks. 
 
 The cat though. That was a mistake. Should have known not to do that. Remy was bossy as hell and ornery to boot. And we always wondered what he'd be up yowling about all night. Curiosity killed the cat I guess. Remy's just an asshole that likes screaming at night. It's unsettling is what it is. 
 
 But back to the point, we figured ol' Coot was one of the few animals that the serum did n't take to. Did n't make us love him any less. And with the way Remy talked, I was actually a little relieved about it. So when I moved out, I took Coot with me and we've lived in blissful silence ever since. 
 
 And suddenly, it clicked. 
 
 Beth hadnt seen me or Coot since I moved out of my parents place. 
 
 She should n't know about the key. 
 
 `` Beth! Long time no see! You should have called! You see your mom yet?'' I blurted out as I jumped up from the couch and practically sprinted over to meet her at the door. 
 
 Beth looked surprised and relieved. 
 
 `` No, not yet. But I wanted to see how my favorite cousin was doing first!'' She explained, starting to take off her coat. I stopped her. 
 
 `` I was just about to go see her actually! It's Friday, you know we all get together down at The Skillet for dinner.'' I said, only lying a little, as I had no intention of going because I had actually been planning on watching Steven Universe with Coot then playing on my phone until I fell asleep. 
 
 `` Oh well, alright.'' She said, a little disappointed sounding as she looked over at Coot. 
 
 I ushered her out the door, `` Let's drive together. We can catch up along the way!'' I offered, stupidly. 
 
 `` Great idea!'' She said, flipping her dark blonde hair over her shoulder and reaching into her bag for her car keys. 
 
 As we drove across town to the little diner my family went to on Friday nights, Beth babbled endlessly about what she had been doing all these years away. College then work, moving around a bit, trying to make a comfortable life. No boyfriend lasted more than a year though. She lamented that fact. They all claimed one flaw or another and broke up with her. 
 
 Thinking back on Coot's fearful advise I really hoped she had n't murdered any of them or something. 
 
 When we arrived, the family greeted her with hoots and hollers and a whole line of hugs. 
 
 I wo n't detail the whole reunion, just the pertinent bits. There was really only one area of conversation that left me feeling worried and a little sick. 
 
 While everyone was talking about something else, my Aunt Gerty leaned over and confided that she was so glad Beth had decided to visit because she thought she never would after what happened at the lake. 
 
 The lake. 
 
 The fucking lake. 
 
 `` When Beth found that Parsons girl drowned she was never really the same. Left town as soon as she graduated. Her mother always told me Beth felt so guilty about not being able to help her friend. Not being able to get help soon enough. I'm glad she's doing better now.'' 
 
 I remember that day at the lake. The family had all gotten together to shoot off fireworks and have a huge barbecue. My family is big on traditions and the 4th of July get together is one of our biggest of the year because no one tsks at you for getting drunk and wearing next to nothing. It's a family favorite. 
 
 That year, Beth had invited Karin Parsons. Best friends since middle school. Thick as theives. Inseparable. 
 
 Karin and Beth had wandered away from the main part of the shore to go do secretive best friend shit and the next thing we knew Uncle Jeb has shut off the music and was telling people he heard screaming. 
 
 We all kind of grudgingly listen and try to find out where it's coming from. 
 
 My dad was the one who found Beth on the shore, screaming and crying. Karin has drowned and her body was out floating towards the middle of the lake. 
 
 Everyone had said it was an accident. Everyone. My family. The police. 
 
 And when my dad found her she had n't been alone. Sitting there on the shore. Barking like mad. Was Coot. 
 
 The serum was a miracle. Everyone knew about it and it was all anyone talked about. About how animals could tell us what they wanted and needed, what they were feeling, what they remembered. 
 
 I needed to save him. 
 
 `` Hey Uncle Jeb, tell Beth what that old hound of yours said last week! She'll get a kick outta it!'' I piped up over the din. 
 
 And Uncle Jeb gleefully relayed to story of how Birch had given him a long talking to about eating jerky in front of him and not sharing any of it. 
 
 `` I laughed myself silly over that one. But I'll be damned if I do n't give him a little every time I got some!'' he said and everyone had a good chuckle, and just like I'd hoped he mentioned Coot. 
 
 `` Shame though about the serum not working on Ol' Coot. That damn dog's probably old enough to tell us about what kind of kibble Noah brought on the Ark.'' he said with a wink. 
 
 I laughed too, hiding the panic that was surfacing, `` I talked with the Vet and they said some animals are just too old or not smart enough. Coot is pretty sharp, but he's getting up there in years. Does n't bother me none.'' 
 
 `` Aw. That's so sad. Coot's my favorite. I would have liked to see what he had to say. You sure he ca n't talk?'' Beth asked, looking to my eyes like a death row inmate who was just handed a pardon. 
 
 `` Pretty damn sure. Lawn caught fire a few months back. Darn dog just howled and started causing a ruckus out back. Went out to check and there he is, just barking like crazy. Coulda lost the house. If there was any time to talk, that would have been the time. He's a good dog though. Got my attention any way.'' I said. 
 
 I was lying of course. There had been a little fire in the backyard but I had been the one outside hollering and Coot had been inside enjoying the AC. Probably for the best though, I do n't think Coot would been able to work the garden hose like I can. 
 
 And just like that, the topic was closed. 
 
 Beth left a few days later and I moved the key somewhere inconspicuous in the back yard. 
 
 Now I'm not saying what I did was right. But the only witness to the crime was a 20 year old coon dog and he has n't said a damn thing since. 
 
 Be they animal or human, I take care of me and mine. And this is just one of those things.
