“Permanently?” Carl clenched his fist. He hadn’t seen that coming.
“I can’t say. It could be, or her brain might need more time to heal and connect the paths. She could even have had vision problems before the trauma, and we don’t know about it.” Setting aside his light, Dr. Scott crossed his arms casually. “Even if she never regains sight, it’s important to remember there are many visually impaired dogs who have a great quality of life. Their ability to adapt is incredible.”
“Is there anything we can do to help her?”
“Keep loving her and working with her. The safer she feels, the more her brain can relax and heal.” Dr. Scott cupped Carl’s shoulder. “You’re doing everything right.”
Luna wrapped a protective arm around Hope. “Blind or not, it doesn’t matter. I love her.”
“That’s the spirit.” The doctor typed more notes. “Let’s follow up after Christmas, but if anything arises before then, call anytime.”
Carl settled the bill then carried Hope to his truck.
Luna followed him, waiting until he’d secured the dog. “I don’t think she’s blind.”
“Me either.” Call it a gut instinct, but he truly believed Hope would see again.
She shoved her hands in her pockets. “Do you need me for anything else? I promised Skye I’d be home to eat dinner with her.”
“I’m good. Thanks for coming.”
Several seconds passed. “Well, I’ll see you soon.”
He gave a tight wave and told her bye, an awkward departure if he’d ever seen one. He hated leaving this way, would rather take her in his arms again and promise her that all would turn out well. But he couldn’t do that…yet.
Chapter Nine
Three days before Christmas, Luna sat at a desk in the education center of the shelter. She relished the quiet and enjoyed the rare moment of privacy.
She finished balancing her checkbook, which wasn’t the most exciting way to spend a morning but a necessary one. When her budget was less than a shoestring, every penny mattered. For once, however, the ending balance made her smile. She’d have enough left over to purchase a small gift each for Skye and Mercy.
They had other gifts under the big tree in the common area, but they came from generous donors around the community. Despite her immense gratitude for the kindness of strangers, Luna wanted them to have a gift that came from her. She was their mother and should provide for them.
She felt bad enough that she couldn’t buy Mercy any presents for her first birthday earlier in the month. Aloni had baked Mercy a beautiful and delicious cake though, and an anonymous donor had gifted her an adorable stuffed octopus and tickets for Luna, Skye, and Mercy to visit the aquarium. Luna didn’t know who the benefactor was, but she suspected Tiffany since she would know Mercy’s fascination with watching under the sea videos.
Her next check would reflect her raise. The anticipation made her break out in a wide grin. The increased salary that came with the promotion would help her move out of the shelter sooner than the one-year mark.
A large part of her didn’t want to leave. She’d made friends here who had been instrumental in helping her recover from Manny’s abuse. She felt safe at Hope House and had a support system.
On the flip side, one of those friends was Carl, if she could still consider him a friend. That moment in his office on Thanksgiving had changed everything between them. He’d distanced himself since then. Sure, he remained cordial and friendly, but the ease between them had disappeared.
Any interaction between them centered on Hope. Other than that, he avoided her. To be fair, she avoided him, also. She didn’t know how to act around him anymore and relied on his cues, which said to keep a distance.
It was for the best. Against her better judgment, she’d allowed herself to develop feelings for him. She didn’t need further complications in her life. Her focus was on getting her and the girls out of the shelter and establishing a new normal for them.
She let out a heavy sigh. Life went on. Another resident entered the room and greeted her. Luna waved back and made small talk before tucking her check register into her purse. Glancing at the clock, she saw her free time didn’t end for another two hours. She missed the girls, however, and went to the daycare center, ready to pick them up.
Tiffany greeted her with a smile. “They both went down for a nap, not even five minutes ago.”
Her mood sank. She’d looked forward to the extra time with them. “I’d thought to get them early, but I don’t want to wake them.”
“Enjoy the time alone. It’s a rare treat.”
“I do have an errand to run.” She peered into the room. “Can I see them really quick?”
“Of course.” Tiffany opened the half door and waved her through.
She walked to the nursery and blinked away tears of joy. It never failed. Every time she watched her beautiful girls sleeping peacefully, she was overcome with emotion. Until she’d become a mother, she’d never known unconditional love.
