Griz and Elowen were out of their car, and the dogs were barking because Knuckles was out there running around.
“We should get out,” Thario said.
“Yes. I’ll get Hope.”
“Thank you.”
She took Hope out to the back and watched her while Thario, Griz, and Elowen unloaded Thario's van. After Hope relieved herself, she went inside with the dogs, glad that the older dogs had settled and Hope seemed to want to follow their lead.
Being with these people was so different from anything she’d ever known. When she started talking to a therapist, there was going to be a lot to discuss. Everything she had learned so farabout living with others from Elowen and Griz made life look easy. And she guessed it was when you had someone with you who was good.
Thario caught her gaze from across the room and smiled. He was a good man, and she couldn't wait to spend more time with him.
Chapter 33
Thario settledinto his new place. With Griz's help, he bought a few desks and other office furniture before he set up his new computers, making sure to run the power cords so they weren't on the ground. The last thing he needed was a curious puppy thinking that the wiggly line things were toys.
“This place looks great,” Thario said.
“I’m happy. I will probably buy more equipment, but this isn’t bad. I can do more searches now.”
“Just keep watch on your screen time.”
Thario rolled his eyes. “I will. Don’t worry, I feel it when I’m on my phone too much.”
Griz crossed his arms over his chest. "So, Calla, huh?"
Heat rose, and Thario nodded. "Yeah. I'm moving slow."
"That's good. She's smart and funny. She's been talking to Elowen a bunch. I like letting them spend time together. I can tell Calla is doing much better now than when she was first freed."
Thario nodded. “That has to be hard on her. When is her first therapy appointment?”
“Tomorrow morning. She’s nervous about it.”
“I bet. It’s hard to talk to therapists. I hated that part of coming back from missions.”
“Yeah. But it helps. I mean, I wouldn’t be stable enough to have a relationship with Elowen if I hadn’t gotten some of it out.”
Thario nodded. "After the explosion, it was really hard. But it's what saved me. I probably wouldn't be here if I hadn't talked to a few good therapists."
“I’m glad you didn’t check out. You’re a good man. And honestly, I’m glad you moved up here. I know you might leave after a while. Living in the mountains isn’t for everyone, but I’m happy we get the chance to know each other better.”
Thario’s throat closed a little. “I know I was a prick before, but I’m grateful I have friends like you.”
Griz’s phone pinged, and he checked the message. “Ah, Elowen wants me to grab something from the store on my way home. I should head out.”
“Thank you for helping.”
"Sure thing. This weekend, Elowen is getting a new group of guests. Want to come over that evening for a cookout?"
“Sure. I’ll bring some meat. I’ll send you a text after I get back from the store and tell you what I got.”
“Great. I’m looking forward to it.”
After Griz left, Thario sat down at his computer and started looking at his email, seeing if there was anything he needed to take care of immediately.
After an hour, he forced himself to take a break. He took Hope out and tossed a ball for her, letting her get her energy out. Frog got into the action but tired fast and went to sit close to the door. Frog wanted to go in, but Hope was still full of energy.
