A soft click of nails on tile sounds behind me, catching my attention.
“Come in here, June.”
Padding quietly, she crosses the kitchen, heading straight to Jade. Dropping her head right into her lap. Like it’s meant to be there.
“Who isthisbeautiful creature?”
Jade marvels over the sleek black German Shepherd as her hand drops into the dog’s fur, fingers threading through thick strands.
“June’s an emotional support dog.”
“Boy, I could use that right now. I’m kind of a mess.”
“There you go,” I murmur, warmth filling places in me that have been cold forever. “She looks happy too.”
June leans harder, long black tail swishing back and forth.
“She picks up on this kind of thing,” I tell Jade, watching as she relaxes. Her shoulders drop another inch. And inside of me a wrench turns an overtightened bolt.
I set the plate in front of her and lean back against the counter, watching without making it obvious.
“Start with that.”
She picks up a strawberry, brings it to her mouth slowly, like she has to remind herself how to do it.
As she chews slowly, her hand tightens in June’s fur. Her gaze drops, unfocused for a second, like she’s slipping somewhere else.
My body tightens instantly. “Jade.”
Her eyes snap back to mine.
“I’m here,” she says quickly.
“Stay with me,” I offer her a piece of bread. “Keep eating. Then we’ll get you some sleep.”
“That sounds good.” She picks at the food, and I keep her engaged.
“You like her fur?” I nod toward June.
She looks down, fingers tightening again in the dog’s scruff. “Yeah.”
“Stay there,” I tell her. “Focus on that.”
Her breathing evens out. Eyes become more focused.
“I think I want a shower,” she says.
That’s the pivot I was looking for. “Yeah. That’s a good idea.”
She stands slowly and June responds immediately, staying close at her side.
I lead both of them down the hall, stopping at the door to the bedroom I’ve selected for us. For her if she wants it alone.
“This room’s all set up.”
She glances inside. “Could you come with me in the shower?”
“Absolutely,” I rasp, knowing I need this as much as her.
