Finders Keepers

CHAPTER 8

I tap my pen against my planner, trying to organize my thoughts along with my week. The morning sun streams through the kitchen window onto our small dining table.

“Mama, is it time yet?” Sophie asks for the hundredth time; her excitement has been a constant backdrop to my planning session.

“Soon, honey. We still have…” I check my watch, “about an hour before Ms. Lucy is going to pick us up.”

I’ve already mapped out the route to Pine Grove Veterinary Care three times, but I keep double-checking it anyway. Even though it’s only fifteen minutes away, according to Google Maps, I still can’t help but feel the anxiousness creeping in.

Across from me at the table, I notice Sophie’s taken to drawing what looks like a handful of animals, most likely inspired by our little field trip today. Her crayon moves in determined strokes across the paper.

A shadow crosses my mind as thoughts of Matt creep in uninvited. The weight of everything I haven’t dealt with sits heavy on my shoulders. Divorce. Custody. The thought of the word ‘kidnapping’ makes my hand tremble slightly as I write “Contact Lawyer” in the side notes of my planner. I need to know where I stand legally. Oklahoma’s laws will be different than in Texas, and I can’t risk—

“Mama?” Sophie’s voice pulls me from my spiraling thoughts. “Can you braid my hair pretty like yesterday?”

“Of course, baby.” I’m grateful for the distraction as I get up from my seat and gather her soft blonde waves into my hands. Her hair is just like mine, and I focus on the familiar motions of braiding, trying to ground myself in the present moment.

“Mama?” She asks again, more hesitant this time. “How come we left Daddy?”

My hands freeze mid-braid. My heart pounds as I scramble for the right words. How do you explain to a four-year-old that her father’s anger and drinking habits made the house feel like it was filled with landmines? That sometimes love isn’t enough when it comes tangled with fear.

“Well,” I begin carefully, resuming the braid, “sometimes grown-ups realize they can’t live together anymore, even if they both love their little girl very much.” The words taste like ash in my mouth, but I force them out anyway.

“But how come?” She questions, as she tilts her head.

My phone pings, but her question demands my full attention. “Sometimes, baby, grown-up problems are more complicated. But what’s important is that you know how much you’re loved, and that none of this is your fault.”

“Is that why we live with Ms. Lucy now?”

“Yes, Ms. Lucy is helping us start a new chapter in our adventure story.” I tie off her braid and kiss the top of her head. “And we’re going to make it a happy one.”

She seems to accept this, turning back to her drawing.

I settle back into my chair, picking up my phone to check the notification. A text from a number I don’t recognize stares back at me:

“HELLO.”

My stomach tightens. I don’t recognize this number. Only three people have this number. Emma, Lisa and Ms. Lucy. And they’re all saved in my contacts.

I stare at the screen, the single word somehow feeling like a threat. Could Matt have found this number somehow? My pulse quickens as I stare at the message, then lock my phone without replying.

I put my phone down and glance at Sophie’s artwork. She grabs a different color crayon and starts to add more details to her paper.

“What are you drawing there, sweetheart?” I ask to try and calm myself down.

Her face lights up, and she lifts her paper to show me. “It’s a puppy and a kitty and…” She points to various colorful shapes on the page. “This is a horse, and this is a bird with a hurt wing.”

I lean in closer, making out the distinct crayon figures, there’s something endearing about how she’s given each animal a big smile. “Those are beautiful, Sophie. I love all the colors you used.”

“Tommy told me his puppy at his house is brown so I drawed mine brown too.” She adds another swoosh of brown crayon to what I assume is the dog’s tail. “And the kitty is orange like Ms. Lucy’s kitty that sits in front of her house.”

“You’re very observant.” I watch as she switches to a green crayon, adding grass beneath the animals’ feet.

She pauses, twirling the crayon between her small fingers. “Mama?”

“Yes, baby?”

“Do you think…” She blinks up at me. “Do you think Mr. Gavin would like my drawing? Since he helps animals?”

My heart swells at her thoughtfulness. “That’s very sweet of you to think of him. It’s your drawing though, sweetie. You can keep it or give it to whoever you’d like.”

“But what if he doesn’t like it?” Her voice gets smaller, and I recognize the familiar thread of anxiety that mirrors my own.

“Hey.” I reach across the table and gently touch her hand. “Anyone would be lucky to receive such a beautiful drawing, especially one made with so much care. But remember, you don’t have to decide right now. You can wait and see how you feel when we get there.”

She nods, seeming to consider this as she returns to her drawing, adding more details with renewed determination. “I think I want to give it to him,” she declares after a moment. “Because he makes the animals feel better when they’re sick, just like in my drawing with my bird with her hurt wing.”

“That’s very thoughtful of you, Sophie.” I check my watch again, forty-five minutes until Ms. Lucy picks us up. My stomach does a little flip, but I push down the nervous energy. “Why don’t you tell me more about the animals in your picture while we wait?”

“Okay,” she begins. “The horse is brown too like Buttercup. And the bird, see her wing right there? It’s blue because blue is a happy color, and it’s gonna feel better soon.”

I listen as she weaves stories about each animal, amazed at how her imagination works. The puppy apparently loves to play fetch with his red ball. Represented by a small red circle in the corner, and the orange cat likes to chase butterflies. Shown as tiny purple dots floating above.

“And look, Mama!” She points to what appears to be a rainbow arching over all the animals. “I put a rainbow because Ms. Lucy says rainbows come after rainstorms, and they make everything prettier.”

My throat tightens at her words, thinking about our own storm we’ve left behind. “Ms. Lucy is very smart, isn’t she?”

“Uh-huh.” Sophie adds a few more colorful strokes to her rainbow. “And she makes the best cookies too.”

I can’t help but laugh at that. “She certainly does.”

I return to my planner while Sophie continues drawing, adding more colorful details to her drawing. The pages of my planner stare back at me, both comforting in their structure and overwhelming in what they represent, our new life.

I flip to a fresh page and write “TO DO” at the top in bold letters, underlining it twice.

1. Enroll Sophie in Kindergarten

2. Contact lawyer about custody/divorce options

3. Get Texas driver’s license

4. Transfer car registration

My pen hovers over the paper as I consider what else needs to be done. So many pieces to put into place. I add:

5. Set up doctor appointments for Sophie and me

6. Find a therapist?

I put a question mark next to the last item. Contemplating speaking with a professional again stirs up feelings of remorse and embarrassment inside me. Matt tore into me when he discovered I was attending sessions with my therapist, but he doesn’t get a say anymore.

7. Open new bank account

The list grows longer, each item representing another step away from our old life and toward something new. Something safer. I glance at Sophie, still concentrating on her drawing.

8.Check library for story time programs

9. Find a park nearby for Sophie to play

I tap my pen against my chin, thinking about what Sophie might need.

“Mama, can I have some juice please?” She asks, looking up at me.

“Of course, honey.” I get up to pour her some apple juice, grateful for the small break from my growing list.

When I return to the table, I add one more item:

10. Make this tiny house a home

It’s not something I can check off in a day, but it’s the most important task of all. I need to create stability for Sophie, a sense of security that Matt stole from us both.

I close the planner, tucking it into my purse. One day at a time. Today, we visit the adoption event with Ms. Lucy. Tomorrow, we’ll start tackling this list.

Together.

I check my watch again, only ten minutes until Ms. Lucy arrives. “Sophie, honey, let’s get your shoes on.”

Sophie bounces up from her drawing, her little yellow sundress with tiny embroidered daisies swishing around her knees as she grabs her sparkly silver sandals from beside the door.

“Can you help me, Mama?” She holds them up, struggling with the tiny buckle.

“I sure can.” I help her slip her feet into them. “You look so pretty today, baby. Like a little flower fairy.”

She giggles. “Do fairies have sparkly shoes?”

“I bet they do.” I fasten the last buckle and kiss her forehead. “Stay here while I go to the bathroom real fast.”

“Okay.” she smiles.

In the bathroom, I lean close to the mirror, examining my jawline. The arnica gel did its job, there’s no trace of the bruise left. I still touch up the spot with a bit of concealer, more out of habit than necessity, blending it carefully.

My reflection stares back at me, and I barely recognize the woman I see. My face has thinned. The stress and anxiety eating away at my appetite. The loose tank top I’m wearing, once fitted, now hangs more freely around my torso. Even my favorite denim shorts, the ones with delicate white embroidery along the pockets, sit lower on my hips than they should. I find my thin brown belt hanging on a hook on the back of the bathroom door, threading it through the loops. It helps, but I make a mental note to pick up some new clothes when I’m able.

I run my fingers through my long blonde hair, arranging it to fall naturally over my shoulders. The white eyelet lace tank top matches well with the shorts, and my worn-in brown leather sandals are comfortable enough for walking around the adoption event.

“Mama!” Sophie calls from the other room. “I hear Ms. Lucy’s car!”

“Coming, sweetie!” I give myself one final look in the mirror. The woman staring back at me might be thinner, might be wearing clothes that don’t quite fit right anymore, but her eyes are clearer than they’ve been in months. The constant fear that used to shadow them has started to slightly fade, replaced by something that looks almost like hope.

I grab my crossbody bag from the counter, checking that I have everything we need, wallet, phone, keys, Sophie’s drawing carefully rolled to keep it from creasing. The gravel crunches outside as Ms. Lucy’s car pulls up.

“Ready to go see the puppies?” I ask.

She’s already at the window, waving at Ms. Lucy. “Yes. And I’m gonna give Dr. Gavin my drawing too, remember?”

“That’s right.” I smooth down her dress and double-check her sandal buckles. “Remember what we talked about though, there might be lots of people there, so stay close to me or Ms. Lucy, okay?”

“Okay mama.” She grabs my hand.

I lock up behind us, breathing in the fresh morning air. The Texas summer hasn’t fully set in yet, and a gentle breeze carries the scent of the flowering magnolia trees.

Ms. Lucy waves from her car. “Don’t you two look prettier than a picture! Sophie, that dress is absolutely darling.”

She twirls, showing off her dress. “It has flowers like your garden, Ms. Lucy.”

“It surely does.” Her eyes meet mine as Sophie climbs into her car seat. “That top is lovely on you, Bailey. The white really brings out your eyes.”

“Thank you,” I start to pull up the directions on my phone, but Ms. Lucy waves me off.

“Sugar, I’ve been living in Pine Grove since before you were knee-high to a grasshopper. Old Doc Mitchell, Gavin’s daddy, he helped me with every stray cat I ever brought him. Could drive there with my eyes closed, though I reckon that wouldn’t be too safe.” She adds.

The cool air conditioning is a welcome relief, even in the early morning. The leather seats are worn but comfortable.

“How are you settling in?” Ms. Lucy glances my way as she navigates through the town’s quiet streets. “Getting everything you need in that little house?”

“Yes ma’am. It’s perfect, really.” I twist in my seat to check on Sophie, who’s contentedly watching the world pass by her window. “The garden view from the kitchen window is beautiful in the morning.”

“Well, if you need anything at all, you just holler. Though I suspect you’re the type who likes to handle things on her own.” Her knowing look makes me shift in my seat.

“I… yes. But I’m learning to accept help.” The words feel strange in my mouth, but true.

Sophie pipes up from the backseat. “Mama, look at the big dog!” She points at a Great Dane being walked along the sidewalk.

“I see it, honey. That’s a big one, isn’t it?”

Ms. Lucy chuckles. “Just wait until you see all the dogs at the adoption event. Gavin’s been working hard to find homes for a whole litter of mixed-breed puppies that came in last month.”

My stomach does an odd little flip at the mention of his name. I push the feeling aside, but it lingers like a shadow in the corner of my mind. Gavin is nothing like Matt. I’ve seen enough to know that. The way he speaks to anyone, his easy smile… I catch myself and redirect my thoughts. I’m not ready for… whatever this is.

Ms. Lucy turns the knob on the radio and soft country music fills the car.

The parking lot of the veterinary clinic comes into view, already busy with cars and people. Colorful balloons bob in the morning breeze, and a hand-painted banner announces “Pine Grove Pet Adoption Day!” in cheerful letters.

“Face painting!” Sophie exclaims from the backseat, pointing at a booth being set up near the entrance. “Mama, can I please get my face painted?”

“We’ll see, baby.” I help her out of her car seat, my heart warming at her enthusiasm. This is what childhood should be, face painting and puppies, not walking on eggshells and hiding bruises.

The crowd isn’t overwhelming, but it’s enough to make me instinctively pull Sophie closer. Ms. Lucy seems to sense my unease.

“The cat section is usually quieter,” she suggests. “Why don’t we start there?”

We make our way through the gathering of people, passing tables laden with information packets and donation jars. The cats are indeed in a more secluded area, peaceful in their temporary enclosures. Sophie immediately gravitates toward a grey kitten that’s batting at a toy through the bars.

“Hi, pretty kitty,” she whispers, careful not to startle it.

That’s when I hear his laugh, deep and genuine, carrying across the lot. My eyes find him before I can stop myself. Gavin is crouched down, a wiggling black and white puppy in his arms, talking to a family with two young boys. His scrubs are pristine despite the puppy’s enthusiasm, and his face is animated as he explains something to the children.

“That’s right,” I hear him say as one of the boys tentatively pets the puppy. “Always let a dog smell your hand first, just like that. You’re a natural, buddy.”

The scene hits me like a physical force, the gentleness in his voice, the patience as he demonstrates proper pet handling, the way he’s meeting the children at their eye level. Matt would have… I stop the thought cold. Matt isn’t here. Matt can’t hurt us anymore.

“He’s good with kids, isn’t he?” Ms. Lucy’s voice startles me, and I realize I’ve been staring. I quickly overt my eyes and turn my attention back on Sophie

“He seems to be.” I try to keep my voice neutral, but something must show on my face because Ms. Lucy’s expression softens.

“Not all men are wolves in sheep’s clothing, honey. Some are just… sheep. Good ones.”

I turn back and watch as Gavin hands the puppy to one of the boys, supporting the child’s arms to show him how to hold it properly. The boy’s face lights up with pure joy, and Gavin’s smile matches it in warmth. Something in my chest aches, but I’m not sure if it’s fear or longing.

“Mama, can we go see the puppies now?” Sophie tugs at my hand, drawing my attention back to her.

“Of course, sweetie.” I let her lead the way, though I’m acutely aware of Gavin’s presence getting closer. He looks up as we approach, and his amber eyes meet mine. The smile he gives us is different from the one he shared with the family, softer somehow, more personal.

“Miss Sophie!” He greets her first, which I appreciate. “I’m so glad you came today. And you brought your mom and Ms. Lucy too.”

Sophie nods, suddenly shy, and presses against my leg. She pulls the rolled-up drawing from my bag, holding it out to him.

“I made this for you,” she says quietly.

Gavin’s face lights up as he carefully unrolls the paper.

“This is amazing!” He crouches down to her level, pointing to different parts of the drawing. “Is this Buttercup?”

Sophie nods, warming up slightly. “Uh-huh, and that bird is hurt and you can help her feel better because you’re a doctor for animals. My mommy told me.”

Something catches in my throat at her words.

“Well, this is going right up in my office.” He looks up at me, and I feel that flutter again. “You’ve got quite the artist here, Bailey.”

“She loves to draw,” I manage, trying to ignore to twinge of guilt. “It’s her favorite thing.”

“I love puppies too,” She adds.

“Speaking of puppies…” Gavin stands, and I notice how he keeps a respectful distance. “Would you like to meet some? We’ve got a whole family of them looking for homes.”

Sophie looks up at me hopefully. I nod, and she breaks into a huge smile.

“Can I hold one?” she asks.

“Of course you can. But first…” He demonstrates the proper way to approach a dog, just as he did with the boys earlier. “Always let them smell you first, okay?”

I watch as he guides her through meeting the puppies, his movements careful and deliberate, always checking to make sure she’s comfortable. It’s so different from Matt’s harsh commands and impatience. Gavin’s teaching, not controlling.

The realization hits me hard. I’ve started comparing them. I’m looking at Gavin and seeing everything Matt wasn’t, and it terrifies me. I’m not ready for these feelings, these observations, this warmth that spreads through my chest.

“You okay there, sugar?” Ms. Lucy’s voice is quiet beside me.

I nod, not trusting my voice. Sophie is sitting cross-legged now, a sleepy puppy in her lap, while Gavin tells her about how they rescued the litter. His voice is animated but gentle, his hands moving as he talks, and I can’t help but notice how he keeps glancing at me, as if checking that I’m comfortable with everything.

“It’s okay to feel things, you know,” Ms. Lucy continues softly. “Even if those feelings are scary. Even if you’re not ready for them.”

“I’m not…” I start, but I’m not sure how to finish that sentence. Not ready? Not interested? Not capable of trust?

“I know, honey.” She gently squeezes my hand. “But sometimes the heart heals faster than the mind. Just remember, you’re safe here. Sophie’s safe here. You can take all the time you need.”

I watch as my daughter shyly smiles at something Gavin’s said. He catches my eye again, and this time I don’t look away quite so quickly. The warmth in his gaze doesn’t demand anything from me. It just exists.

Maybe she’s right. Maybe I can just let these feelings exist without acting on them. Maybe it’s okay to notice how different he is, how gentle and patient and kind, without needing to do anything about it.

Ms. Lucy’s eyes catch something across the adoption event grounds. She leans closer to me, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

“Well, I’ll be. That’s Meredith Johnson over there at the bake sale booth. Haven’t seen her since she went up to Dallas to visit her daughter last month.” She looks at me, eyebrows raised in silent question. “Would you mind terribly if I went to say hello? I’ve been dying to hear how her new grandbaby is doing.”

I glance at Sophie, still happily sitting with the puppy while Gavin explains something about proper pet care. The knot of anxiety that’s become my constant companion tightens slightly at the thought of being left alone with him, but I push it down.

“Of course,” I manage a smile that feels wobbly but genuine. “Go ahead. We’ll be fine.”

“You sure, sugar?” Her knowing eyes search mine. “I don’t have to—”

“Really, it’s okay.” My smile steadies. “Go catch up with your friend.”

She pats my hand. “I won’t be far. Just holler if you need anything.”

I nod, watching as she makes her way through the crowd toward the bake sale table. The absence of her reassuring presence leaves me feeling exposed, like stepping out from behind a shield I didn’t realize I was using.

Gavin looks up as Ms. Lucy departs, his amber eyes finding mine. There’s a question in them, checking if I’m comfortable, and something about that silent consideration makes my chest tighten in an unfamiliar way.

“Mama, look!” Sophie calls, drawing my attention back to her. The puppy in her lap has rolled onto its back, tiny paws batting at the air. “His belly has spots!”

I move closer, sitting down beside her on the grass. “It sure does. What a cute little guy.”

Gavin shifts slightly to give me more space, and I notice how he’s careful not to crowd me. It’s such a small thing, but I’m grateful.

“He likes you,” Gavin says softly, and for a moment I’m not sure if he’s talking to Sophie or to me.

My mouth curves into a slight smile as I rise to my feet.

“How long have you been doing this?”

He gets up too. “I took over from my dad a few years ago,” he says, leaning against the fence beside me. “But I’ve been around animals my whole life. Dad was the local vet for thirty years or so before he passed away.”

“Ms. Lucy mentioned him, Doc Mitchell?”

“That’s right.” His face softens with pride. “He taught me everything I know about veterinary medicine, but more importantly, he taught me about compassion. Every animal deserves a chance at a good life.”

I watch as his eyes light up at the mention of his father. There’s something about the way he talks about him that makes my heart ache, not from sadness, but from witnessing such pure admiration.

“Yeah, Dad graduated from Texas A&M’s VMBS back in ‘85,” he says shifting on his feet.

“VMBS?” I tilt my head, curious.

He chuckles, running a hand through his dark hair. “The Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. It’s a mouthful, I know.” He shrugs. “I followed in his footsteps and graduated from there myself in 2018.”

It’s then I remember the A&M hat that Sophie found on the ground last night at the fair.

“So the hat that Sophie found last night…”

“Dad gave it to me the day I got accepted into vet school. It was his hat when he was in school.” His voice softens. “He told me he wore it during every final exam he took at A&M, and it never failed him once.”

“Did it help you too?” I ask, not taking my gaze off Sophie holding a sleeping brown puppy in her lap.

“It sure did. I wore it for all my big tests too, just like my dad did.”

“What made you want to become a vet, other than your dad?” I ask, trying to redirect my thoughts.

“I practically grew up in the clinic. He’d bring me along on his rounds, let me help feed the animals, and clean the kennels. I saw how much good he did, how many lives he touched, both animal and human.” He pauses and scratches at his neck. “There was never really any question about what I wanted to do.”

“That must have been amazing, growing up with such a clear purpose.”

“It was,” he nods, then gives me a curious look. “What about you? What did you want to be when you were growing up?”

The question catches me off guard. It’s been so long since I’ve thought about my own dreams, before Matt, when life was a lot less complicated.

“I…” I start, then pause as Sophie tugs at my shirt.

“Mommy I’m hungry. Can we get something? Please?” She folds her hands together and looks up at the both of us.

Gavin laughs. “That would be Papa Rollas’ food truck you’re smelling. Best grilled cheese in north Texas, if you ask me.”

I check my wallet, counting the few bills I have. Before I can respond, Gavin pulls out his wallet.

“My treat,” he says firmly. “Consider it a thank you for saving my lucky hat.”

“Oh, no, we couldn’t—”

“Please?” He looks at me with those warm eyes. “It would make my day to treat you ladies to some lunch.”

Sophie’s already grabbing my hand, and I find myself nodding. “Thank you, that’s very kind.”

As we walk towards the food truck, Sophie pulls me ahead, Gavin leans a little closer to me. “You never answered my question about what you wanted to be.”

“Oh.” I blink thinking back to my younger self, before my life got so complicated. “I wanted to be a librarian, actually. I’ve always loved books, the way they can transport you to different worlds, different lives.” I laugh softly. “Seems silly.”

“It doesn’t seem silly at all,” he says seriously. “It suits you.”

“How so?”

“Well, you’re patient. You’re obviously intelligent, and you have this… gentle way about you.” He rubs the back of his neck, looking slightly embarrassed. “Plus, I noticed you had a book in your purse last night at the fair.”

I freeze mid-step, the words, “I noticed you” echoing in my head. My chest tightens. Being noticed has never meant anything good.

Matt’s voice slithers through my memories: “Why are you wearing that?” His eyes narrowing at a simple sundress. “Looking for attention from other men?”

“You okay?” Gavin’s voice pulls me back to the present. His expression is concerned, not accusatory.

“I’m fine,” I manage, though my voice sounds strained even to my own ears. “You’re umm very observant.”

“Part of the job,” he shrugs as we continue to walk. “Animals can’t tell you what’s wrong, so you have to notice the little things.”

We reach the food truck, where Sophie is already standing on her tiptoes looking at the menu, trying to decipher the words.

“What’ll it be, ladies?” Gavin asks.

“Extra cheesy!” Sophie declares without hesitation.

“Good choice. Bailey?”

“Um, I’ll have…The Works, please.” At his raised eyebrow, I add, “Sometimes a girl needs a little protein in her sandwich.”

“Can’t argue with that logic.” He turns to the vendor. “One Original, extra cheesy and two The Works.”

We grab our paper plates and head over to a nearby picnic table. As Sophie takes cautious bites of the piping hot sandwich, I take a moment to enjoy the sun almost as hot on my face.

“Mmm, this is good,” Sophie says between bites, cheese stretching from her mouth to the bread.

“Like I said, best grilled cheese around.” Gavin agrees, taking another bite.

I nod, savoring the smoky prosciutto and mozzarella combo. “Seriously, I’ve never had a grilled cheese this good before.” Wiping my mouth with my napkin.

“Mommy, can we get ice cream after?” She asks scooting closer into my side.

I grab a napkin to wipe her face. “Let’s finish our sandwiches first. Then we’ll see.”

“You know what?” Gavin says, “I think this calls for a special tour. Would you like to see where we take care of all the animals?”

Sophie whips her head up to me. “Can we really?”

Gavin looks at me for permission too,

I look between Sophie’s eager face and Gavin’s warm smile, feeling myself teetering on the edge of a decision that shouldn’t feel this significant. It’s just a tour, a simple walk through a veterinary clinic. Yet my chest tightens with familiar anxiety.

“I don’t know…” I say, buying time while my thoughts race. “We’ve already taken up so much of your afternoon.”

“It’s no trouble,” he says, his voice gentle. “Besides, I’m heading back there anyway to check on a few patients.”

Sophie tugs at my sleeve. “Please, Mommy? I wanna see where the animals get better.”

Matt’s voice slithers through my mind: “Always making excuses to be around other men, aren’t you?” I push the thought away, angry at myself for allowing him space in my head.

“Please, Mommy?” Sophie’s eyes are wide and hopeful, her sandwich forgotten.

I hesitate, torn between my daughter’s excitement and my own anxiety. Before I can answer, a figure appears at my side.

“There you all are!”

I jump up from my seat, my heart racing as I flinch. Ms. Lucy stands next to me, her green eyes widening at my reaction.

“Oh, honey, I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you like that.”

Heat rushes to my face as I try to slow my breathing. I catch Gavin watching me.

“It’s okay,” I manage, smoothing my napkin. “I was just… lost in thought.”

Gavin slides over on the bench in front of us, making room for Ms. Lucy. “Join us, Ms. Lucy. We were just finishing up some lunch.”

“Don’t mind if I do.” She settles beside him, her presence easing the tension in my shoulders. “So, what’s the plan for the rest of the afternoon?”

“Dr. Gavin’s said he was gonna show us where the sick animals get better.” Sophie tells her.

His eyes find mine again, warm and patient. “Well, only if it’s okay with your mom.”

“Did he now?” Ms. Lucy’s encouraging smile, and Gavin’s gentle patience all work together to quiet the anxious voice in my head.

“I guess we could take a quick tour,” I say finally.

Gavin stands, gathering our empty plates. “Let me just throw these away, and we can head inside.”

As he walks to the trash can, Ms. Lucy leans in closer to me. “You’re doing amazing, honey. One step at a time.”

I nod, grateful for her understanding.

One step at a time, I remind myself. Just take it one step at a time.

Following Gavin through the glass doors of the clinic, the first thing that hits me is the clean, antiseptic smell—not overwhelming, just fresh and sterile.

He flips on the lights, illuminating the modern space. A curved reception desk dominates the front, its dark wood gleaming under the fluorescent lights. Behind it, I spot rows of organized files and a computer setup.

“This is where the magic begins,” he says, gesturing around. “Though honestly, Sarah at reception is the real magician. She keeps this place running.”

Sophie stays close to my side, her small hand in mine as she takes everything in with wide eyes. A movement catches my attention, an enormous orange cat stretches lazily on top of the reception desk, his fluffy tail swishing back and forth.

“And that’s Jimmy,” Gavin chuckles. “Our unofficial greeter and resident trouble-maker.”

“He’s so fluffy!” Sophie whispers, her grip on my hand loosening slightly.

“Would you like to pet him?” Gavin asks. “He’s very friendly.”

Sophie looks up at me questioningly. I nod, and she approaches the desk slowly. Jimmy rises, stretching again before padding to the edge where Sophie can reach him. His loud purr fills the quiet space as she gently strokes his fur.

“Jimmy here helps calm nervous patients, and their humans,” Ms. Lucy adds with a knowing smile. “Smart cat knows exactly what everyone needs.”

“That he does,” Gavin agrees. “Ready to see where we take care of our patients?”

Sophie reluctantly gives Jimmy a final pat before returning to my side. Gavin leads us through a door behind the reception desk, into a hallway lined with examination rooms.

“We have four exam rooms,” he explains, pointing out each door as we pass. “Each one’s equipped for different types of appointments. Room One’s best for our smaller patients, Two’s got special lighting for detailed examinations, Three’s our largest for bigger dogs, and Four’s where we do most of our dental work.”

I notice how he explains everything in a way that makes Sophie feel included, without talking down to her. She absorbs every word, her earlier shyness melting away as curiosity takes over.

“Through here is where we keep our patients who need to stay with us overnight or for longer periods,” he says pushing open another door.

The back area is warmer than the clinical front. When he flicks the lights on soft music begins to play from hidden speakers, and the lighting is gentler. Several kennels line one wall, most empty except for a few occupied ones.

A tiny whimper draws Sophie’s attention to a kennel at her eye level. Inside, a teacup Yorkie no bigger than a small stuffed animal lies on a soft blanket, her tiny leg wrapped in a pink cast.

“That’s Bella,” Gavin says softly, crouching down beside Sophie. “She had a little accident last week and broke her leg.”

Sophie’s lower lip trembles as she looks at the tiny dog. “Does it hurt?”

“Not anymore,” he assures her. “We gave her medicine for the pain, and she’s being very brave.”

As if hearing her name, Bella cocks her head to the side. Despite her cast, her little tail starts wagging immediately at the sight of visitors. She struggles to sit up, tiny pink tongue darting out to lick the kennel door.

“She’s so little,” Sophie whispers, tears welling in her eyes. My heart clenches—my sensitive girl always feels so deeply for animals.

“She is little,” Gavin agrees, “but she’s also very strong. Would you like to know a secret?” He waits for Sophie’s nod. “She’s going home tomorrow. Her leg is healing perfectly, and she’s ready to be back with her family.”

“Really?” Sophie’s face brightens through her tears.

“Really. In fact…” Gavin checks his watch. “It’s about time for her afternoon walk. Would you like to help me take her outside? With your mom’s permission, of course.”

I feel Sophie’s hopeful gaze before I see it. Part of me wants to say no. To protect her from getting too attached, from potential disappointment or hurt. But another part of me sees how careful Gavins is, how he’s created this safe space where healing happens.

“Please, Mommy?”

I take a deep breath. “Okay, but be very gentle.”

Gavin shows Sophie how to properly open the kennel door and lift Bella out. The tiny dog fits perfectly in her careful arms, immediately covering her face with tiny kisses.

“She likes me!” Sophie giggles, the sound pure joy.

“Of course she does,” Gavin smiles. “Animals can always tell when someone has a good heart.”

We follow them to a small, enclosed courtyard behind the clinic. While Sophie helps Gavin slowly walk Bella on a tiny leash, I hang back with Ms. Lucy.

“He’s so patient,” I murmur, watching as Bella hops along on three legs.

“That he is,” she replies. “Been watching him grow into himself since he was knee-high to a grasshopper. His mama would be proud of the man he’s become.”

I catch something in her tone. “Would be?”

She nods. “Lost her to cancer when he was in veterinary school. Worked himself to the bone to finish his degree while helping care for her. That’s partly why he’s so good at this—he understands what healing really means, body and soul.”

I watch as Gavin demonstrates to Sophie how to check if Bella’s cast is secure, explaining everything with infinite patience. Jimmy has followed us outside and now winds between Ms. Lucy’s legs, purring loudly.

“The clinic was his daddy’s before him,” Ms. Lucy continues. “When Doc retired, there wasn’t any question about who’d take over. This place, these animals, this community, it’s in his blood.”

“Time to get Miss Bella back to her bed,” Gavin announces, helping Sophie guide the tiny dog back inside. “She needs her rest, so she’ll be ready for her family tomorrow.”

Sophie carefully helps settle Bella back in her kennel, whispering something I can’t quite hear. The tiny dog licks her hand one last time before curling up on her blanket.

“Thank you for showing us around,” I say as we make our way back to the front, noticing that Jimmy has followed us and is now perched on a cat tower by the front door.

“My pleasure,” Gavin replies, reaching to scratch Jimmy’s ears. “Y’all are welcome any time to come visit this goofball, I bet he’d enjoy the extra attention.”

“We should probably get going,” I say reluctantly.

Sophie gives Jimmy one final stroke before grabbing my hand. “Bye, Jimmy. Bye, Bella,” she calls toward the back rooms, as if the tiny dog might hear her.

“Thank you again for the tour,” I tell him.

“Anytime,” he replies. “And I meant what I said, feel free to stop by whenever. The door’s always open during business hours.”

Ms. Lucy steps forward. “We’ll be sure to take you up on that offer, but for now, these ladies need some rest. It’s been quite the day.”

We step outside and head towards Ms. Lucy’s car, Sophie begins talking about Jimmy and Bella.

I glance back once to see Gavin standing in the doorway waving with a smile, Jimmy at his feet, both watching us leave.