Pale sunlight through the Norfolk pine at the window casts dappled shadows on the woven rug.

Red and Duffy spar in this arena, wisps of dog hair flying from their coats in the shafts of light.

Duffy yelps like a quacking duck, either from exertion or joy.

Red takes a fold of the carpet in his teeth and tugs.

They rest a moment, shoring up energy like warriors from an episode of Dragonball Z. And then the games begin again.