When they reached the grass and set Kevin down, he charged at the waterfowl sunning themselves on the bank of the small lake. Honking, the birds flew into the center of the pond before settling in.
“Watch for goose poop,” she warned.
Tail wagging, Kevin ran around, pausing frequently to hike his leg, making Rok aware of his full bladder.
“Over here.” Chloe led the way to the shade under a tree and set down their bag. “This looks like a good spot. I’m going to duck behind that boat over there.” She gestured to a small watercraft sitting on a trailer.
“Why? Oh!” He caught her drift. “I’ll go that way.”
She went her way; he went the opposite. To his surprise, the dog followed him. After he and Kevin relieved themselves, they strolled to the pond’s edge together. He rinsed his hands while Kevin took a drink.
Chloe emerged from behind the boat. “Good idea.” She swished her hands in the water then wiped them on her pants. “Let’s eat.”
She opened a can for Kevin first. As soon as the lid came off, Rok’s stomach churned violently. Quickly, he scrambled upwind. She moved several ruga away and set the dish on the ground. Collar tags clinking, Kevin dove into the food with gusto.
The slurping noise and the sight of the dog scarfing up the noxious mash brought bile to his throat. He scooted farther away.
“It bothers you that much?”
“Yes.” He averted his gaze. Just watching it made him sick. “Tell me when he’s done.”
The rattling of the tags stopped about the time she said, “He’s done.”
He took a peek. She was pouring water into the dog’s empty dish. “You look a little gray,” she said.
He felt gray. “Could I have some water?”
“Sure.” She handed him the bottle.
He finished it off. It helped a little.
“Is it going to bother you when I eat?”
“Will it be meat?”
“It’s supposed to be. Canned beef tamales.”
“I’ll sit over here.” He pointed to an area farther upwind.
“Will you be able to eat?” she asked.
“In a little bit. Not yet.”
“Okay, I’m going to open mine.”
“Yes, please. Eat.” He retreated.
She opened a can for herself, but before lifting off the lid, she opened another bottle of water and rinsed off the can opener. Then she brought him the opener,the water, a utensil, and his can of food. “I hope you feel better.” She briefly laid a hand on his shoulder.
Shocked pleasure hummed through him.She touched me!She’d never done that before. He stared at her. “I’m-I’m feeling better already. Thank you.”
“You look like it. You’re getting silver again. Your can is plant-based chili. No meat. Just beans and spices. I can’t vouch for the spiciness, though. It might be tasteless, or it might be too spicy if you’re feeling sick. It should be served hot, but it is cooked, so…” She shrugged.
“I’m sure it will be fine.”
She retreated.
He felt almost giddy, his body buzzing, the nausea all but gone.
