SOLITARY MORNING  This morning began a little differently from the usual routine. I woke up to an unexpected silence, feeling momentarily confused and disorientated as I reached for my glasses and checked the time—06.57 am. Just then, as if on cue, Fleck’s unmistakeable demand bark shattered the quiet. Only then did I remember that John was away house-sitting, leaving me in charge of the morning routine. I let out a groan, rubbed my temples, and shuffled out of bed, pulling o