I lift her out, bring her close, kiss the top of her head, and tuck her to my chest, rubbing gently behind her ear.
“It’s a pity, huh?”
Startled, I spin around. “Don’t sneak up on me, Camilla. You almost gave me a heart attack.”
I let out a breath and glare at her. She gives me a sheepish smile. Her black braided hair’s up in a loose bun. She’s out of her scrubs already, in a long skirt and soft orange top, probably on her way home.
“Sorrrry. I forgot you’ve been extra jumpy since the whole rock through the window thing.”
“It’s fine.” I glance at the rabbit and give her another kiss. I didn’t tell her what actually happened. She would scold me for being so careless.
Camilla walks over and holds her hands out. “Can I?”
I pout and give her over carefully. She pulls the rabbit to her chest and gives her slow, gentle pets.
“Ugh. I wish we didn’t have to give her to a shelter,” she murmurs. “Maybe we could keep her, like a clinic pet or support animal or something.”
“Yeah, because Gary would totally allow that,” I mutter. “You know I had to talk him into letting her stay a few more days? He wanted her sent off right after surgery with her leg still healing and everything.”
She frowns. “I’m not surprised, honestly.”
“I kind of want to adopt her.” I blurt.
Her brown eyes widen. “Oh my god, yes. That would be so perfect for you.” Then she frowns. “Do you think Gary would even allow it?”
I snort. “What if we just say we sent her off to the shelter? I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t even ask for proof. He’s got his head so far up his ass he wouldn’t notice if we replaced her with a damn raccoon.”
She bursts out laughing. “Yeah, you’re right. You can bring her home today. Ooh, wait, I know. I can call over to the shelterand tell them she got adopted by one of us. I know someone who works there.”
“Are you sure?”
“Kelly. This is exactly what you need. I know it’s been a rough year for you, and she’s the kind of comfort that matters. You need something soft right now, and you should let yourself have it.”
It sort of feels sudden, like I’m doing this out of pure impulse. But the break-in last week has me so on edge, and it made me realize life’s too short to keep doubting everything. I want this, and I want to do it.
I rub the back of my neck. “I got an hour left here, but I assume you’re done for the day? Could you maybe go to the pet store and grab a few things for her so I can set her up at home? I want her free-roaming, and I can litter-train her. Rabbits are clean and smart, so it’ll be no problem, I think.”
“This is so exciting. Of course. But I’m also getting a bottle of wine and some takeout, and we’re going to get drunk and celebrate your new tiny roommate.”
I chew on my lip. “Please don’t buy cheap wine. I’ll literally pay for everything. You’re the best.”
She kisses the rabbit on the head and puts her back in the cage. Then she wraps me in a hug. “I’ve known you for years, and I’d do anything for you, you know that, right? I’m really sorry you’ve been going through it. Let’s get drunk, gossip, and build the best bunny palace anyone’s ever seen.”
She leans back, gives me a smile, and I nod.
“There’s a key to my apartment in my locker.”
“Yeah, yeah, see you when you get home. Oh my god, this is so exciting.” She turns and heads out, mumbling to herself on the way to the door.
I turn back and smile down at the cage.
I borroweda small cage from Gary’s clinic. When I sayborrowed, I mean stole.
I push into the building with the cage in one hand and head to my floor. Halfway up, some strange feeling crawls up my spine. As if I’m being watched. I pause on the landing and glance toward the next floor.
For a second, I swear I see someone dressed in black disappear around the corner.
I stand there, staring at the empty stairwell. Nothing. No footsteps. No movement.
