Chapter 3
Alex
Alex stood on the quiet street. He watched the van’s taillights carry Jordan and the dog away. They disappeared into the distance. The air was cool against his skin. It contrasted with the heat that had consumed him moments ago. The weight of the night’s events bore down on him. He couldn’t shake the image of the injured dog. He also couldn’t shake the frantic call to Aunt Lynn, or the stranger trying to save the animal’s life.
He was glistening with a mixture of blood and sweat. Alex felt awe and gratitude for Jordan. The veterinarian arrived like a whirlwind of calm and competence. Alex had seen the steady determination in Jordan’s eyes. He also saw the deft, skilled hands that tended to the wounds. Jordan’s strength resonated with Alex, a quality he respected and admired.
With a sigh, Alex finally turned away from the empty street and returned to the house. He stepped into the bathroom. The harsh lights revealed the extent of his disheveled appearance. Blood covered his chest and arms, a grim reminder of the chaotic moments earlier in the night.
He turned on the shower. The warm water cascaded over him, washing away the physical remnants of the night’s ordeal. As the water splashed against his skin, he let his mind wander back to Jordan. He replayed their brief encounter in his head, remembering the urgency in Jordan’s voice. The unwavering determination in his eyes. The competence with which he had assessed the horrific injuries.
Alex admired strength in many forms, not just physical strength.Jordan was smaller than Alex, but seemed stronger in different ways.He had noticed the doctor was wearing hearing aids in both ears. He wondered if Jordan was born hard of hearing or if it happened later in life. Jordan was several inches shorter than Alex and athletic. He had a runner’s build and piercing green eyes that seemed to look into Alex’s soul.Alex thought Jordan’s sandy brown hair was messy from waking up so early in the morning, yet he still looked handsome. The hot doctor had a professional exterior. But he detected a glimmer of vulnerability beneath it. They shared an understanding of the weight of their pasts. It was a connection he hadn’t expected, a spark of something he couldn’t quite define.
Lost in thought, Alex let the water wash away the physical and emotional trauma and the steam envelop him.
When Alex finished his shower, he felt a renewed determination to help the dog. The water had cleansed his body. It also washed away some of the weight he had been carrying since the dog burst through his window. The dog woke him from another nightmare. He wrapped a towel around his waist and reached for his phone.
After a few rings, Aunt Lynn’s warm voice filled the line. “Hello, Alex? Are you all right?”
Alex’s voice held a mixture of relief, pain, and gratitude as he replied. “I’m okay now. Thanks to you and Dr. Williams.”
Aunt Lynn let out a sigh of relief on the other end of the line. “Oh, thank goodness. I was so worried. What happened?”
Alex recounted the night’s events. He described the dog crashing through the window that led to the frantic call for help. He explained that Dr. Williams arrived right on time. He spared no detail. He wanted Aunt Lynn to understand the full extent of the chaos and the kindness he had encountered.
“I’ve never been more grateful for your connections,” Alex admitted. “Dr. Williams is amazing. He took charge of the dog’s care. I hope it’s enough to save that poor dog’s life. I don’t know what I would’ve done without him.”
Aunt Lynn’s voice held a warm chuckle as she replied, “Well, he’s a fantastic vet, and I’m glad he could help. And I’m grateful you’re okay, dear. But remember, you’re quite resourceful yourself.”
Alex smiled at his aunt’s reassurance. “Thanks, Aunt Lynn. I appreciate everything you’ve done. I thought you should know I’m all right. ”
“I’m glad to hear it, sweetheart. Now, get some rest and take care of yourself. And, of course, keep me posted on how that dog is doing.”
“Thank you, yes, I will.Dr. Williams gave me the name of his clinic. I’m going to look it up now and head over there.”
Alex heard shuffling on the phone as if his aunt was moving around the house. She replied, “Pawsitive Vibes. I have the address. I’ll text it to you.”
With his mind at ease, he ended the call, knowing he had a few hours ahead of him before finding out how the dog was doing.
Still wrapped in a towel, he walked into his bedroom. As he approached his dresser, he remembered he used all his clean t-shirts to stop the bleeding. A slight sigh of sadness escaped him as he saw the empty, opened drawer where his T-shirts used to be. It revealed a limited selection of socks and underwear. He sighed again, realizing that he had to resort to the laundry basket.
After rummaging through the basket, he finally found a crumpled blue t-shirt. Its message, “In my defense, I was left unsupervised,” brought a small smile to his face. It was one of his favorite shirts. It would have to do. He slipped it on. He hoped the shirt’s disheveled appearance and smell wouldn’t attract attention.
Alex ate a hasty breakfast, but he was eager to see the veterinarian again and check the dog’s progress. After breakfast, he grabbed his keys and headed out to his truck. The text came through from Aunt Lynn, so he opened his maps app and got the route. He headed toward the clinic, filled with apprehension.
He pulled into a small cafe on the way to the clinic. He felt bad for the clinic team, and he thought they might need a caffeine boost. A little something to lift their spirits after the early morning call to action.
Inside, the warm aroma of brewed coffee and the scent of pastries filled the air. Behind the counter stood a young woman, her eyes widening when she saw Alex. The young woman, whose name tag read “Theresa,” greeted him with a friendly smile that seemed to light up the room. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she admired Alex.
“Good morning!” Theresa chirped. “What can I get for you today?”
Alex returned her smile. “I’ll take a large coffee container, a medium chai tea, and a dozen mixed pastries, please. ”
“Sure thing!” Theresa replied, her eyes still twinkling as she began preparing his order. While he waited, he brought up a local neighborhood app on his phone. He wanted to see if someone reported a German Shepherd missing. Before he could finish his search, his order was ready.
She handed him his order and added, “Your shirt is hysterical.If my boss saw that shirt, he would embroider that saying on our aprons.”
Alex laughed and looked down at the writing on his shirt. “Yeah, my friend’s wife made it for me when I was in the military. I made a dumb mistake and got called to report to my commanding officer.”
Alex remembered the moment Brian had him unwrap the shirt in their squad room—he was so excited. It seemed like a lifetime ago.
Theresa laughed, saying, “Did you wear it around the base?”
Alex laughed again and replied, “No, my CO didn’t have a sense of humor. It wouldn’t have gone over well. Besides, I was already in trouble for throwing away his favorite coffee maker.There was this ancient relic of a coffee pot that percolated coffee. It was taking up space in the cabinet. So, I trashed it. Big mistake. My CO had an emotional attachment to it.” Alex looked bemused about how that kind of pot even made coffee.
“What?! You threw away a coffee pot. Never throw away a person’s coffee pot. That is no bueno,” Theresa said as she laughed out loud.Her kindness and attitude were charming and lifted his mood.
Alex chuckled, then noticed a sign behind her that read “Kindness Matters.” He found it amusing that her words seemed genuine and a nod to the cafe’s motto.
“Thank you for that advice—it will never happen again,” he replied with a grateful smile. He thanked the young woman for her help and left the café.The stranger’s unexpected kindness energized him.
He continued his drive to the Pawsitive Vibes Animal Clinic. He admired the picturesque coastal town of Brookings. The city also rests near the beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline. Tall evergreen trees lined the winding roads. They cast dappled shadows in the morning sunlight.
Sooner than he realized, he approached Pawsitive Vibes Animal Clinic, Day Care, & Spa. Well-maintained gardens filled with flowers surrounded the rustic, blue buildings. They had adorned the front entrance with potted plants. A colorful sign that said “Only Pawsitive Vibes Welcome Beyond This Point” welcomed visitors. As he read the sign, he felt insecure.
If everyone knew how I was really feeling, I wouldn’t have been allowed in.
The lot was already bustling with pet owners dropping off their pets. He noticed the vibrant energy of the place. Laughter and barking echoed from the outdoor play areas. Dogs played in the sunshine under the watchful eyes of the staff. He’d never seen a place like this.
The clinic’s large windows showcased the spacious and well-equipped interior. Staff and volunteers wearing blue shirts entered and exited the building. Dr. Williams’ clinic impressed Alex. He didn’t know it was such a big operation.
He looked down at the passenger side of his truck. He inspected the small donation of pastries and coffee. He should have gone to Costco instead.
I don’t even know if this town has a Costco.
Alex had the coffee container and pastries in hand as he exited his truck. He entered through the clinic’s main door, feeling anticipation and anxiousness. The reception area was a warm and inviting space, bathed in soft hues of blue and green. The clinic adorned the walls with pictures of happy, healthy pets under its care. To add a soothing touch to the atmosphere, the scent of flowers hung in the air.
A receptionist with a friendly smile sat behind a wooden desk. Her fingers typed away at the computer. She looked up as Alex approached, and her eyes widened at the sight of him.
“Hello, how can I help you today?” she greeted.
Alex offered a polite smile in return. “I’m here to see Dr. Williams. He brought in a German Shepherd earlier.”
Recognition flashed in the receptionist’s eyes. “Ah, you must be Mr. Bennett. Dr. Williams mentioned you. Please, sit, and I’ll let him know you’re here.”
Alex nodded and approached a plush armchair in the waiting area. As he sank into its welcoming embrace, a surge of anxiety swept through him.
It was like a cold tide rising in his chest. The clinic’s serene ambiance had soft lighting and muted colors. This contrasted jarringly with the tumultuous memories of the battlefield that haunted him. The relentless roar of conflict surrounded him. Every heartbeat was a ticking clock of survival. Every breath was a dance with danger.
His thoughts drifted to the injured dog.
God, we haven’t spoken in a long time, and you already took Brian from me. Don’t make me beg—just this once, do me a favor, and don’t take this dog too.
He worried that something had gone wrong during treatment. The scent of flowers, meant to calm, only heightened his unease. He fidgeted in his seat, his fingers tapping rhythmically on his thigh.
Moments later, the receptionist returned, offering him a reassuring smile. “Dr. Williams will see you now. Follow me, please.”
She led him down a hallway. Framed photographs of the Brookings coastline adorned the walls. It provided a peaceful distraction from his racing thoughts. They arrived at a private consultation room. Soft lighting and soothing colors created a serene ambiance. A box of tissues sat on the small table.
Alex’s heart pounded as he took a seat. The sterile scent of the clinic mixed with the aroma of the flowers. For a moment, he felt like he was back in a field hospital, surrounded by the stark realities of war. His fingers tightened around the cardboard coffee carafe that he was still carrying. Then he crushed the handle of the box of pastries he held.
He looked at the woman and said, “I got some people out of bed early this morning. I wanted to bring them some coffee. If I had known the size of this place, I would have bought more.” He then stretched out his arms to offer them to the woman.
“That is kind of you. I’ll take them back to the staff lounge. Dr. Williams will be in soon,” she said as she took the coffee and pastries from him and walked out into the hallway, closing the door.
As he waited for Dr. Williams, the weight of his experiences pressed on his chest. His mind replayed the anxieties and fears he thought he had left behind on the battlefield.
The door to the private consultation room opened, and Dr. Williams walked in. His sudden presence was calming as the air shifted in the room. He tousled his dark hair, giving himself a casual yet put-together appearance. A hint of chestnut highlights caught the soft room lighting.
A warm smile graced Dr. William’s face as he entered, immediately putting Alex at ease. He wore dark blue medical scrub pants and a dark blue-black top. The shirt had the Cookie Monster all over it, giving him a gentle and approachable air. Alex had seen him tending to the wounded dog. His firm hands seemed steady and reassuring.
“Alex,” Jordan greeted, his voice calm.
“Hello, Dr. Williams,” Alex replied.
“Please, call me Jordan,” Jordan said.
Alex nodded, appreciating the friendly gesture. “It’s nice to meet you formally, Jordan.”
Jordan sat opposite Alex. He leaned forward slightly. His expression shifted to one of concern. “I wanted to give you an update on the dog. The surgery went well, and we removed all the glass. Fortunately, it didn’t hit any major organs, but he lost a lot of blood, and that’s our primary cause for concern.”
Alex’s heart sank at the news. He had prepared for the possibility of complications. But hearing it confirmed was still a heavy blow. He swallowed hard and asked, “Is he going to be okay?”
Jordan’s eyes met Alex’s. “We’ve done everything we can, but it’s too early to tell. He’s in recovery now, and we’ll be monitoring him closely. The next few hours will be critical. I promise we’re doing everything possible to help him pull through.”
Alex nodded. He was grateful for Jordan’s professionalism and deeply worried about the injured dog. He was a soldier, used to facing adversity head-on. This situation felt entirely different. Alex had a very hard time adjusting to civilian life. He hoped the dog was more resilient than him.
“Thank you, Jordan,” Alex said sincerely, the weight of the situation palpable. “I appreciate everything you’re doing for him.”
Jordan nodded, continuing, “I wanted to inform you that we’ve discovered he has a microchip. We checked the registry, and his name is Shadow. He is three-and-a-half years old. A service dog for emotional support and anxiety. He belongs to a woman who lives in Chicago. We tried to call her, but there was no answer, and her voicemail was full. We will try again in a little while.”
The news about finding the owner left Alex feeling conflicted.He felt relieved knowing Shadow had an owner who cared for him.But he had grown attached to the injured dog. They had spent only a short time together on his bedroom floor. How is it he imprinted on his heart already? He wanted to ensure that he got the best possible care.
“Is it possible for me to contact the owner?” Alex asked, his voice tinged with concern.
“Of course. There’s a phone right here in the room. Let me get you the contact information so you can make the call.”
Jordan stepped out of the room to get the owner’s contact information. He returned to the room a moment later with a clipboard to make the call. “Our receptionist reminded me of clinic policies. We need to maintain the privacy of the owner’s information. I have the contact information, Alex,” he said, holding the clipboard. “But there’s a minor hurdle. Clinic policy dictates that I can only share the owner’s private info if you’re officially a part of the clinic.”
Alex nodded, looking saddened by the news.
“But I have an idea. You could sign up as a volunteer to work at the clinic,” Jordan said.
Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the proposal. “A volunteer?”
Jordan nodded. He had a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Yes, a volunteer. We run background checks, but I’m sure you’d pass since you’re Linda Skeens’ nephew. Just to be safe, though, I’ll have to ask: any felonies involving animals or, I don’t know, throwing tanks at people?”
Alex chuckled at the thought. “No felonies or lawbreaking of any kind, Jordan. And I promise not to throw cars on the clinic’s property.”
With a warm smile, Jordan handed him the clipboard. “Great! Just fill out the forms, and we’ll have you officially onboarded. Then you can access the owner’s info and contact them.”
Alex began filling out the volunteer forms. He appreciated Jordan’s quick thinking. With Jordan’s help, he was more hopeful about Shadow’s care.
Jordan had trained his eyes on Alex’s lips when he spoke, and Alex noticed. He seemed to pay extra special attention to his words.It was the first time Alex had encountered someone hard of hearing.
Curiosity got the better of him, and as he handed the completed forms back to Jordan, he asked. “Hey, Jordan,” he began, “I couldn’t help but notice that you were looking at my lips as I spoke. Are you a lip-reader? ”
Jordan looked surprised by the question. “Yeah, I am,” he admitted. “My ears’ ‘arch nemesis’ helps,” he said, pointing to his hearing aids. “Lip-reading makes it easier for me to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments.”
Alex nodded, wanting to be considerate. “Got it. I’ll make sure to face you when I talk so you can read my lips more easily.”
A warm smile crossed Jordan’s face. “Thanks, Alex. I’d appreciate that. It’ll make communication smoother between us.”
Alex and Jordan continued to chat about the clinic, the volunteer program, and Shadow’s treatment. Their connection was effortless. It was a slight gesture, but it seemed to Alex that it meant a lot to Jordan.