Julie has gone to Knoxville to be with her family and attend the funeral for her cousin Wade. A rough week for her.

Pearl apparently forgot (or wasn't fully awake when) we all took Julie to the airport at 6:00 Thursday morning. Last night, she kept waiting for Mom to come home. Every time there was the slightest noise outside, she'd run to the door and apply her Astounding Stare of Influence to the doorknob.

(This is the same Stare she uses to make the back window roll down when we're going for a ride in the car, and to compel me to open the Stared-at treat jar so she can have a snack.)

She gave up eventually and we all went to bed. She snuggled next to me on the bed, a job usually handled by Julie. I can tell Pearl misses her.

I know how she feels.