I didn’t realize I was training for this.

All those voice notes,
    the playlists,
    the slow breathing through airport delays—

    apparently that was all warmup.

Because now?

I'm fully certified as: A Backup Human.

Coal issued my credentials somewhere between
    a successful ball toss,
    the first back scratch,

    and the second suspicious sniff test.

I don't have the original scent,
    but I carry the essentials:

    - Two hands (available for ear and butt scratches)
    - A bag big enough for treats, toys, and a blanket
    - A "Good Boy" that makes him feel like a hero dog
    - That phone— that sends Mom every bathroom update

He didn’t ask for my resume.
He didn't need references.

He just watched.
Listened.
Sniffed once.
Decided: *acceptable*

Now we patrol the parking lot together,
    two agents assigned to Important Work.
    (one of us takes it more seriously (Guess who?))

We don’t talk much.
Mostly just walk.
Mostly just *know*

That the missing isn’t too sharp,
    because someone’s here.

That the waiting isn’t too lonely,
    because somebody stayed.

Not the original human.

But a good enough stand-in.

A backup human, ready for the shift.

And honestly?

I’ve never been more honored to be (and see) number two.