<div style="text-align: justify;">Topping the last rise, his home now once more in sight, Doug smiled. Fred gave a happy yip, running on ahead and the man could not find it in his heart to call his chocolate labrador to heel. It was good to be home, even if they had only left it an hour earlier. As the chill of the Oregon morning seeped inside his jacket, Doug picked up his pace. It would be good to get back to the pot of black coffee he had left brewing, get some heat in his bones before he had to prepare for the day ahead. Getting closer to the house, he found himself smiling at the memories he had of the place.<br/><br/>From the first time he remembered his parents bringing him out here to visit with his grandparents, Doug had loved the old building. It had character and it spoke to a deep part of him. He had been surprised, although nobody else had, that his grandfather had bequeathed the house and the land it stood on to Doug. His eyes traced the familiar contours of the dwelling, recognising his grandfathers and fathers construction efforts alongside of his own. A sudden gust of air persuaded him to lengthen his stride. Barely two more minutes passed before he reached the house and stepped inside the comforting warmth of the kitchen.<br/><br/>Taking off his jacket, Doug threw it over the back of one of the chairs sat at the breakfast bar. Grabbing his favourite mug, he poured himself a cup of coffee. Bending down, he stroked Fred's ears as the dog lapped up water from his bowl. Taking his cup in hand, he walked through the open plan house, past the dining table and into the lounge. Seating himself next to the fireplace, Doug raked the glowing embers until he could feel a small wave of heat. Deciding it was enough, he leaned back in the chair and brought the cup to his face, inhaling the earthy aroma of his favourite blend. It would soon be time to take a quick shower before heading down to the office. As Fred bounded on over and put his head on Doug's knee, the builder remembered that he was also supposed to take the dog to the vet's later that morning. <br/><br/>"Ah, you're just looking forward to all the attention you get at the vet's, aren't you?" He reached a hand down and lightly grabbed hold of the labrador's head. "I know your game, mister." Doug grinned and lightly scratched his dog behind the ears. Fred's eyes closed and, for a moment, Doug could have sworn the dog was grinning too.<br/><br/>Half an hour later, the two were sat in the cab of Doug's truck as he backed it out of the garage. Leaving Fred in the truck, it took the man less than a minute to get out, close up the garage and return to the cab. Letting off the handbrake, Doug slipped the vehicle into gear and reversed to the bottom of the drive and onto the shoulder of the road. With no nearby traffic, he wrestled the truck up off of the shoulder and onto the tarmac proper. He turned and looked at Fred.<br/><br/>"Yes, we're stopping at the coffee shop but don't you go getting your hopes up Fred. You've got your six month check up at the vet's mid morning, so you can't have any of Izzie's delights until lunchtime." Doug felt sympathy for his dog. Izzie might not be a witch, but she certainly knew how to make a magical cupcake. Passing the mile marker, Doug indicated and turned onto the road that would lead him all the way into the heart of Elliquiy.</div>