It’s our final day volunteering at the Missarali City Animal Shelter.
I didn’t think I’d care about leaving when I first arrived, but after four visits, I’m actually going to miss Mr No Name—or Radish, as Mae’s now called him.
The workers loved it, and they even changed his name on file and created a little makeshift sign to tape to his kennel.
“She’s impressive,” Poppy remarks, nodding towards Mae, who is completing a five-point check-up on one of the dogs. The shelter is supposed to conduct these every few weeks, but they’ve fallen behind since the vets are busy on some training course.
“What do you mean?” I quietly question as I watch Mae peer into the dog’s ear, using the torch on her phone to light the dark abyss.
“With animals.”
I dip my chin in a nod.
I understand why Mae has a deep affection for animals. They embody a sense of innocence, untouched by the complexities of the world. They don’t judge based on wealth, height, weight or skill—they simply love.
She’s going to be a great veterinarian nurse. Any practice will be lucky to have someone with such passion join their team.
My smile drops from my face.
“Are you going to miss your little friend?” Bennett laughs as Radish bounces up to me.
“You know what?” I scratch the top of his head. “I will.”
I know Radish will go to a good home, though. He’s a loving and energetic dog that will make a great family pet. I’m sure when he gets his chance to shine, he’ll flourish.
“I’ll miss you, buddy.” Mae cups Radish’s face for the final time and presses a kiss to his wet nose, a bark escaping his mouth as he watches her grab her coat and bag.
I think I see her eyes coat with tears, but she keeps her head low as we exit the animal shelter for the final time.
It’s spitting with rain, and the clouds above are grey and gloomy, the air frigid.
“Looks like a storm is on its way,” Bennett groans.
“Scared of a little thunder, Quinn?” my sister teases, and Bennett glares at her.
“Who are you? Lightning McQueen?”
They head to their separate cars, leaving Mae and I alone.
I should say something.
“You okay?”
“Yeah, of course,” she responds. “I can’t allow myself to get attached to every animal I care for. Otherwise, I’ll end up wanting to bring them all home.”
I can tell she’s playing her feelings for Radish down, but if there’s something I’ve learned about Mae, it’s that she doesn’t enjoy being vulnerable. It’s not the norm for her. Discussing her anxiety about performing yesterday must have been hard, and yet she did. With me.
“Are you having a stroke? What are you looking at?” she volleys at me, her voice is light and airy.
I clear my throat, realising I’ve been staring. She’s wearing those damn jeans she was in when I first saw her in Emmanuel’s store, and fuck… it’s testing me. “I’ll see you tomorrow for the meeting,” I say before I embarrass myself.
She drops her brows and turns to her car, and I watch her—because it’s an excuse to stare at her ass—before starting my Audi and turning my heated seat on.
As I exit the parking lot, rain cascades heavily, splattering against my windscreen. Given the slick roads, I keep my speed well below the limit.
The wind is fierce, forcing me to grip the wheel tightly, worried I might be blown off the road, but when I glance in the rear-view mirror and see Mae stepping out of the parking lot in the heavy rain, I hit the brakes, almost skidding to a halt.
“What the hell is she doing?” I mutter to myself as I head back toward the shelter. I pull up alongside her and undo my window. She’s already drenched, her hair clinging to her forehead like dark ribbons, her knitted sweater hanging heavily with droplets dripping from the hem. Her arms are wrapped around her midsection as she walks, feet gliding through puddles with swift steps.
