Private Message | EchoZone Internal Chat
From: DeadStrings
To: StringTheory27
Date: June 21st, 1997, 7:42 PM
Subject: He’s Home
So,I went.
I walked into the shelter, pretending I was just “checking in.”Told myself I was just there to see if he was still around.But the second I stepped near the pens and heard that tail thumping like a drumroll, I knew.
Otis remembered me.Or maybe he just recognizes indecisive people and knows how to break them down.He leaned into me the way people do when they don’t know if you’ll stay.And I couldn’t walk away from that.
So yeah—he’s here.In my living room.Currently snoring like a freight train and twitching in his sleep.Probably dreaming of treats or world domination.Hard to say.
I got him the water bowl.And the leash with a matching collar.Blue with mustard.It’s obnoxious, loud, and completely him.
It has a little silver tag now.One side has his name.The other has my phone number—I got one of those cell phones.That part was weird—putting myself down as his “emergency contact.”Like, I’m someone’s backup plan now.
I don’t know what this means for me yet.But for him?It means he doesn’t sleep in a cage tonight.
He has a bed (okay, half my couch), and someone who’s trying.
Trying to keep the bowl full.Trying to learn the rhythm of this new responsibility.Trying to believe that maybe I can be good at something.For someone.
Before falling asleep, he couldn’t stop watching me, like he was waiting to see if I’d disappear.
I won’t.
Not this time.
You were right, by the way.
I didn’t need permission to be ready.I just needed to say yes.Wish me luck.
—New dog owner
P.S.I owe you pictures.And probably a thank-you.And maybe something fried, because this whole being-a-responsible-human thing is exhausting.
ChapterSeventy-Eight
Private Message | EchoZone Internal Chat
From: StringTheory27
To: DeadStrings
Date: June 21st, 1997, 10:42 PM
Subject: Otis, the Soulmate
Congratulations!
You actually did it.I don’t know whether to cry, cheer, or start knitting him a sweater.(I can’t knit.But I’d learn for Otis.)
Tell me everything.What does he look like?What was his face like when you walked in?Did he wag his tail or give you that “you took your damn time” look?
