Present day…
Winterbury Veterinary wasa white clapboard colonial house with black shutters and a red front door that was located in the center of town and had been converted into the small-town clinic before I was born. It hadn’t changed much during my lifetime, other than getting a new roof a few years back and a handful of fresh coats of paint over the years. It was a two-story place, but the top floor wasn’t in use. It just sat there full of dust and unlocked potential. I’d suggested either expanding thepractice or turning it into boarding or even grooming, but my father always just said he was content with the way it was.
As I walked up the brick path, I decorated the bare front door, steps, and awning in my mind. Everything was neat and tidy and perfectly fine, but why let something be perfectly fine when you could sprinkle in some extra? A large green wreath with a red bow would really pop against the black. Lining the stairs with a few small potted evergreens with ornaments and twinkle lights would be a fab greeting, and green garland woven with ribbon around the columns would really bring everything together.
You’re only here for a visit. This is not your place to decorate,I reminded myself as I unlocked the front door.
Have you ever noticed how you can tell a place is empty by the scent and stillness in the air? How it isn’t just quiet but empty? That’s what it was like walking in this morning, as if the place had been untouched far longer than the previous day.
I flipped on the lights and turned, taking in the interior, which was familiar despite my not having visited for several years. The reception desk sat at the back of the open lobby that was filled with benches and chairs, all of which were mismatched but still somehow went together. The old wooden floor creaked when I walked and could have used some refinishing, as it had seen many paws over the years.
The large window looking out on the street screamed for a Christmas tree, and the ceiling would do well with some hanging snowflakes. My father would likely tell me he was not in the business of decorating but animal care, but personally, I didn’t see why a person couldn’t do both.
On my way past, I noted the mug filled with candy canes sitting by the bell on the counter and how organized the desk was. At least someone had brought in a touch of Christmas.Continuing on into the back, I flipped on the lights, reminding myself of the simple layout and looking over all the equipment.
It was all older than what I was used to in Boston, but it was in great condition. I could almost hear my father saying,If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.
He was clearly a very practical man. I often wondered how I could be so much like him but also so very different.
Out in the lobby, the front door opened and closed. “Hello? Dr. Thomas, are you here already?”
I recognized Brandy’s voice instantly, having heard it over the phone weekly for many years.
Dropping my bag on the counter, I hurried from the back. “Let’s just go with Toby. Dr. Thomas makes me feel old.”
Her brown eyes lit up instantly, and she let out a low squeal. “OMG, you’re here!” she exclaimed, turning light on her feet and rushing across the creaking floor to fling her arms around me and squeeze.
Warmth filled me, and I smiled into her wild brown curls. “Seeing you in person totally beats talking to you over the phone.”
She pulled back enough to look at me, but her hands remained clasped on my arms. “I knew your mom was endeavoring hard to get you home this year, but I have to admit I didn’t think she’d pull it off.”
“It appears I am no match for a supersized serving of mom guilt.”
Squealing, she hugged me again. “You’re staying through Christmas?”
“As if I could get away with less.”
“Have you finished your Christmas shopping?”
I groaned. “I haven’t even started.”
“Toby! That’s practically a crime! All those shops in Boston, and you haven’t done any shopping?”
“I’ve been busy.” I defended myself. After seeing patients all day, the last thing I felt like doing was battling the crowds.
“Well, you’re here now and will have lots of time.”
“Not as much as you might think,” I amended.
Her lips pursed, and she looked down, taking in the scrubs I was wearing beneath my open winter coat. Eyes snapping to mine, she said, “Are you going to be working here with your dad?”
I smiled, and her lips stretched into a wide grin. “Really?” She was hopeful.
“I’m actually going to be filling in for him. He’s going to take a little time off.”
Concern drew her eyebrows low. “But he’s doing okay?”
“Oh, yeah. My mom just wants him to take a break. Plus, I think it was her way of trying to convince me to come home. Give me something to do, you know?”
