He’s making it harder to hate him.
Sigh.
I shut the door and block out the rest of the conversation so I can make the call.
Our receptionist, Trish, has gone home for the evening—and given how quiet it was, I said she could head home early if she wanted and I’d help cover the phones.
Friday evening and all.
So many companies give that spiel about how they’re family, but that’s genuinely how it is here. My colleagues are more than coworkers.
My heart lurches when I think about Dr. Ezzie and her bad news again. Whatever it is, the odds are stacked against any big improvements. For Esmerelda Serena and her family, there’s just a long way down.
Tick tock,the empty room announces.
Mom always said I had a morbid streak. Always prone to stressing about worst-case scenarios and black-swan disasters.
I suppose that’s true, but what’s the harm in being aware?
Justknowingwhat the worst might look like.
Just in case, y’know.
That’s one life lesson I learned the hard way, and one I’ll never forget.
“Hello?” The owner has an elderly quiver in her voice as she answers.
“Hi, is this Mrs. Hernandez?”
“Who is this?”
“This is Lena from Pawsome Hearts veterinary clinic over on Edmunds Street in Beacon Hill. I’m calling about your dog, Charlie.”
“Oh, you’ve found the little Houdini?” The relief in her voice is palpable. “Thank you! I’ve been worried sick. My niece was out walking him yesterday, and he broke off his collar and escaped. We were sure something dreadful had happened—and it was so out of character for him!”
“He was found down by the beach, from what I know. We’ll make sure he gets some food and water. Any dietary restrictions?”
“No, and thank you, dear. My poor Annie, she was so distraught. She’s walked him hundreds of times and there’s never been any trouble. But all it takes is once. Is he truly okay? He wasn’t hurt?”
“Nope, just a little dehydrated. Plus some lung irritation with the bad air. He should stay indoors overnight until the sky clears up. When would you like to pick him up?”
“Oh shoot.” She speaks to someone else on her end, her voice muffled. “We’d come tonight, but we’re out of town—that’s why my niecewas looking after him. And tonight she has a night shift, I’m afraid. Is it possible for you to keep him? Just for tonight?”
Oof.
I really should say no.
We’re a small clinic with limited kennel space. It’s already crowded with our regular dogs, and Keith is running himself ragged. But there’s nowhere else for Charlie to go.
I can’t bring myself to turn her down.
“Can I call you back? I’ll check with the owner and see what I can do,” I say instead. “You said you can grab him tomorrow?”
“Yes, yes, absolutely! Thank you so much.” Her voice breaks. “I wasn’t sure we’d ever see our baby again. Thank you so much.”
“You’re very welcome. I’ll be in touch.”
She thanks me again, and I smile as I end the call.
