—You think you have it hard, have you noticed how cold it is in the mornings? I can barely chew my food I’m so cold. And patrolling the perimeter is a lot more difficult when there’s frost on the grass. Plus, the enemies on the other side of the fence are even more idiotic than usual this time of year. And birds—everywhere!—plucking sunflower seeds. It’s just madness out there, madness!

“I feel for you; is it time for you to return to your duties?”

—Why, are you leaving? So soon?

“Pretty soon.”

—Um, I think I have to recuperate a little bit longer, I’m not as young as I used to be, you know.

“None of us, my muffin-licking friend, none of us are.”