Max barked, startling Rick and Emily since they were so focused on the camera they hadn't noticed that he had wandered in from the bedroom. The great Dane looked up at them from the living room floor, panting and wagging his tail. Emily petted his head and raised her voice a few levels in pitch.
"Oh, Maxy-baby, did Mommy forget it about you? Is it time for your dinner? Who's a good boy?"
Max barked again, happy to be noticed. Rick crossed his arms giggled inwardly. He loved Max, too, of course, but he thought it was hilarious that Emily treated the brown, polka-dotted behemoth like a tiny puppy.
"Here, we'll pour you a fresh bowl. But first, let Mommy get a picture," said Emily, pointing the dated camera at her sparky-eyed pet.
There was a click, a flash, and the sound of a picture coming out from the front of the camera. Emily picked up the print and watched the image fade into view. The perfect picture of a young, tall, stocky, freckled, red-haired woman took shape.
"So, you to lovebirds wanna get a bite to eat before we hit the books? I ordered enough chow mein for all of us, it should be here any minute," said Maxine to her roommates. Emily looked at the picture again and set it down on the coffee table.
"Oh, uh, sure," Emily answered, appearing to be a little spaced out.
"Sounds good to me," said Rick. "Wouldn't wanna start that study guide on an empty stomach."
"Cool," said Maxine, turning toward the bathroom. "Imma go freshen up a little before we eat."
Once Maxine had flicked the light on, turned around, and closed the door, Emily turned to Rick, looking concerned. "Did you something weird about Maxine just now?" she asked him.
"You mean her finding yet another reason to delay studying for that chemistry test we're all gonna flunk tomorrow? No, I think that's perfectly normal for Maxine. I'm definitely not gonna say no to chow mein, though."
"It's not that. Maybe it's not even her, I don't know. Something just seems different around here, I guess. I just can't put my finger on it..."
"You're probably just hungry, too."
The sound of a doorbell filled the apartment. Rick smiled and headed for the door. "That'll be our delivery!" he announced cheerfully.
Maxine smiled uneasily and looked back at the camera.