“It wasn’t any trouble,” I assured her. “My little monster has to eat. I just brought her—and her offering—across the street.”
She managed about half the serving before setting down her fork with a sigh. “I hate this,” she said quietly. “Being weak, needing help with everything. It’s not who I am.”
“It’s temporary,” Jeremiah said gently, reaching out and patting her weathered hand. Something about the simple gesture sent a warmth through me. I couldn’t stop staring at him as he worried over the ailing woman. “You just had surgery. Your body needs time to heal.”
She nodded, but I could see the frustration in her eyes. Mrs. Chen was used to being independent, used to taking care of others rather than being taken care of.
After about twenty minutes, she was visibly drooping, her eyelids heavy and her posture sagging against the couch cushions.
“We should let you rest,” I said, starting to gather the dishes.
“I’m sorry,” she said, sounding embarrassed. “I used to be able to entertain properly.”
“You don’t need to entertain us,” Jeremiah said. “You need to sleep and get better.”
Mrs. Chen looked at him with an expression that was both grateful and hesitant. “Actually, Jeremiah, I have a favor to ask. Another one, I guess.”
“Anything,” he said immediately.
“I know you’ve been taking such good care of Cuddles this week, and I can’t tell you how much that’s meant to me, but . . .” She paused, looking frustrated with her own limitations. “I’m not going to be able to handle her for at least another week or two. The doctor says I need to take it easy, and honestly, just getting to the kitchen exhausts me right now. She’s a good girl, but without walks and attention, she can get rambunctious.”
Jeremiah chuckled. “My shirts know the truth in that.”
She smiled weakly as he gripped her hand.
“Of course I’ll keep taking care of her,” Jeremiah said without hesitation. “As long as you need.”
“Are you sure? I know it’s a lot to ask, especially with your work schedule—”
“Mrs. Chen,” he interrupted gently, “it’s not a lot to ask. Cuddles and I have worked out our differences, haven’t we, girl?” He glanced toward the window where the dog was staring out at the yard. On cue, her tail thumped against the hardwood floor. “Besides, it gives me an excuse to check on you every day.”
“You don’t need an excuse for that,” she said softly.
“I know, but it makes me feel useful.” He smiled. “Plus, someone has to make sure you’re actually eating and not just living on those protein shakes your neighbor keeps bringing over.”
Mrs. Chen laughed, the first genuine laugh I’d heard from her all evening. “Those things are terrible. They taste like chalk mixed with artificial vanilla.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll be here every morning and evening until you’re back on your feet.”
“What if Cuddles tries to eat you again?” Debbie asked with obvious concern.
“Then Theo and Debbie will come rescue me,” Jeremiah said, winking at me over her head.
“I’ll bring the first aid kit,” I promised.
As we made to leave, Debbie planted herself in front of Jeremiah with the determined expression she wore when she’d made an important decision.
“I’m not done with Willie Wee yet,” she announced. “He has to come home with us.”
I looked at Jeremiah, who was trying not to smile. “Button, maybe Willie Wee has other things to do—”
“No, he doesn’t,” she said with the absolute certainty of a five-year-old who’d already worked out all the logistics. “I want to watch another movie with him. We haven’t finished all the Disney movies yet.”
“All the Disney movies?” Jeremiah raised an eyebrow. “How many are there?”
“A million,” Debbie said seriously. “Maybe more. So we have to watch them all.”
Mrs. Chen chuckled softly from the couch. “Go on, you three,” she said. “And honestly, Theo, knowing you’re right across the street makes me feel better.”
