Chapter 7
Alex
Alex glanced at the veterinarian as he left. He saw that Rebecca noticed his momentary distraction and tried to recover.
She couldn’t resist a teasing smile.
“He’s quite a catch, isn’t he, sweetie?” she asked.
Alex blinked, surprised, and blushed, but he chuckled in response. “Yeah, he seems like a great guy.”
Rebecca teased Alex a bit more when she noticed his blush. “Aw, look at you,” she said with an affectionate grin. “I see the cookie monster scrubs he’s wearing caught your attention, huh?” Using her best Cookie Monster impersonation, Rebecca shouted, “Me want cookies!”, making Alex chuckle.
Alex rolled his eyes playfully, a faint smile on his face. “Alright, you got me,” he admitted. His stature made his awkwardness stand out even more. “But let’s focus on getting Shadow comfortable. We can discuss my love life—or lack thereof—later.”
With a shared laugh, they started to get to work with Shadow’s care.Rebecca spent the next forty-five minutes explaining the charting process to Alex and going over all that he had been through in surgery and what care would be needed.
“Okay, Alex, time to get Shadow prepped for transport,” Rebecca instructed. She guided him around the recovery table where Shadow rested and explained all of the tubes and wires connected to the recovering dog .
The German Shepherd had endured surgery. Now, post-anesthetic grogginess submerged him, with medications keeping the pain away. Alex moved around the padded recovery bed, each step tentative. Shadow’s form seemed diminished. Sterile white sheets and cold medical apparatuses filled the room.
Alex’s heart tightened as he took in the full sight of Shadow. He seemed so motionless and serene in his medicated slumber. Stark patches where the fur had been shorn off interrupted the sleek coat. Delicate bandages wrapped around his midsection, shoulder, and foreleg. They were stark and white and stood out against the black and brown of his coat.
A soft beeping sound drew Alex’s attention to the monitor that showed Shadow’s vital signs. An IV line ran from a bag of fluids. It disappeared beneath the bandages on Shadow’s uninjured foreleg.
Alex reached out a hand, hovering just above Shadow’s head. He was afraid to disturb his rest, which was crucial to his recovery. Alex’s eyes welled up.
He remembered being on a similar table after the ambush.He was alone. He didn’t understand why he was alive and Brian was dead. Survivor’s guilt was difficult. He’d learned about it in therapy sessions.He still felt that it should have been the other way around. Given the opportunity, he would have switched places with Brian. He felt so alone and lost.
Shadow was alone and lost last night. Now, he lay on a recovery table. Alex felt a silent vow swell within him—to be there for Shadow as he healed, as he’d wished someone had been there for him.
He whispered, “Hey, buddy, it’s me.”
Shadow’s ear twitched at the sound of his voice, a slight movement, but one that sent a wave of relief through Alex. He gently touched Shadow’s head, not disturbing the bandages. The contact was a balm to his frayed nerves.
Shadow stirred slightly on the table. His eyes fluttered open to reveal a glaze of post-anesthetic confusion. But as his gaze met Alex’s, there was a flicker of recognition and he gave a soft whimper.
Alex stood by the bed, his gaze soft and tender upon the resting form of Shadow. A solitary tear slid down his cheek, carving a path through the day’s worries and fears. “You’ve got this, boy,” he murmured, a tremor in his voice. “You’re a fighter, and we’ve surrounded you with the finest care.” He came closer, his hand hovering inches from Shadow’s bandaged form. “And I’m not going anywhere. I’m right here with you.”
Rebecca stepped forward, but Alex hardly noticed. “He’s in excellent hands, Alex,” she whispered. “And it looks like he’s not the only one who’s strong here—determined to heal.”
Alex met her eyes, a wordless “thank you” in his glance. Together, Alex and Rebecca lifted Shadow onto a padded stretcher. They were careful of the bandages and IV lines. They covered him with warm blankets to ensure his comfort. It was a brief journey to the kennel area.
“Take it slow and easy, Alex,” Rebecca advised. Her experienced hands guided him as they wheeled Shadow through the clinic’s corridors. The soft sound of Shadow’s breathing was a constant reminder of their mission. They were still determined to care for him, even though it was difficult.
When they reached the kennel area, Rebecca welcomed Alex to Shadow’s temporary home. They lifted the padded mattress and slid it into the enclosed kennel, positioning Shadow comfortably. Rebecca repositioned and hung his IV bags on the wall beside his kennel.She moved the mobile electronic vital sign monitor next to the enclosure.
“He’ll need some time to rest and recover. We’ll keep monitoring his vitals. I’ll check in on him regularly,” Rebecca assured Alex.
Alex nodded, a mix of gratitude and concern in his eyes. “Thank you for everything, Rebecca. I appreciate your help.”
Rebecca smiled. “You’re welcome, honey, and don’t worry—he’s in excellent hands.”
Rebecca reached for a transparent plastic cone hanging on the nearby wall. It was the dreaded cone of shame. She held it up, giving Alex a knowing look. “Now, here’s the fun part. We have to put this cone on Shadow to make sure he doesn’t interfere with his recovery.”
Alex chuckled. “I’ve seen dogs wear those things before, but I’ve never actually had to put one on.”
Rebecca grinned. “Well, don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it. First, we need to slide it under his head gently. ”
She approached Shadow, who was still groggy, in his large kennel. She slowly eased the plastic under his neck. Shadow blinked, unfazed by his new accessory.
“Now, this is the tricky part,” Rebecca continued. “We need to secure the damn thing so he can’t wiggle out of it.” She folded the plastic until it formed the cone. She held it in one hand and handed Alex a roll of medical tape with the other. “I’ll hold it in place. It shouldn’t be too snug, but it should be tight. You tape it up.”
Working together, they fastened the cone securely. Alex could tell Shadow was initially unsure about this foreign object around his head. But he seemed to accept his fate with a resigned sigh. Alex chuckled to himself. They both had the same deep, heavy sigh.
“Well, buddy, it looks like you’re officially a member of the ‘cone club’ now.” Alex laughed.
Rebecca joined in the laughter. “Exactly! He’ll get used to it in no time. And it’s for his own good, too.”
With the cone in place, they watched Shadow to ensure he was comfortable and adjusting. Satisfied that he was, Rebecca patted Alex on the back. “You did great. Now, let’s give Shadow time to rest, and I’ll check on him again throughout the day.”
Alex felt a sense of accomplishment as they walked away from Shadow’s kennel.
Rebecca stepped back from the kennel area door as they exited the clinic’s main hallway. Her warm smile never wavered. She reached up to give Alex a heartfelt hug. “Welcome to the clinic,” she said. “I’m happy to have you here.”
Alex returned the hug awkwardly, but with a genuine smile. “Thank you, Rebecca. I’m grateful that I get to be here for him.” Knowing that he meant the words brought a sense of uneasiness to him—it had been a long time since he felt close to anything or anyone.
She released him from her hug and stepped back, her eyes enthusiastic. “I’m sure you’ll fit right in. Now, go find Jordan’s office. You’ll want to head down that hallway,” she said. She pointed toward a corridor lined with examination rooms. “His office is the last one on the left. You can’t miss it. It has the single guy with a stick up his ass who isn’t dating anyone in it. ”
Alex laughed, grateful for her guidance. “Great, thanks. I’ll go check in with him.”
Rebecca gave him an encouraging pat on the arm. “Sounds like a plan. If you have questions, ask anyone around. We’re like one enormous family here.”
With a friendly wave, Rebecca headed off to attend to her other duties.
As Alex made his way down the hallway toward Jordan’s office, a sense of anticipation built within him. Despite himself, he was eager to see Jordan again.
Alex paused in the doorway of Jordan’s office, taking in the unique setup for the first time. The room was a blend of typical office functionality and specialized adaptations. Each detail caught his eye.
He looked across the desk. A state-of-the-art video phone sat prominently. Jordan was on a call with his back to him. He could see that it had a high-resolution screen. The screen displayed virtual sign language interpretation and provided real-time captioning during calls to ensure Jordan never missed a word. Beside it, Alex saw a flashing light notifier attached to the phone. It emitted bright flashes to signal incoming calls.
His attention then drifted to a small device perched on the corner of the desk. It was a vibrating pager that Jordan could keep on him. He guessed it alerted him to someone at the door or a ringing phone with a discreet buzz. These subtleties likely allowed Jordan to maintain his autonomy in the workplace.
Near the computer, a TTY device lay ready for use. Alex had seen them in use overseas when one of his buddies he served with wanted to talk to his son, who was deaf.A large screen was mounted on one wall, which Alex recognized as a visual alert system.
Jordan had placed mirrors throughout the room, too. It was a simple yet effective way to stay aware of his surroundings. Jordan smiled at Alex in one of the mirrors and said goodbye to the person on the phone, whose name was also Alex. “Come on in.” Jordan’s excitement laced his voice.
Alex nodded. The office wasn’t just a workspace. It was also a declaration of independence. It was a tangible expression of Jordan’s determination. He wanted to thrive in a world that wasn’t always designed for him.
He couldn’t deny his attraction to Jordan. He wasn’t just drawn to him for his rugged good looks. He was also drawn to him for the strength, kindness, and empathy that shone through his eyes. It was a combination that left him momentarily mesmerized.
"Dr. Williams, it's as if you're being surrounded by Alexs today," he said, a playful smile tugging at his lips.
Jordan laughed. “Yes, I am. Luckily, both of the Alexs in my life are welcome additions and not pains in the ass like the Marks in my life.”
Jordan reached for his hearing aids. He paused, his fingers hovering over them. Alex got his attention.
“You read lips, right?” Alex asked gently, taking a step closer. Jordan nodded. “Then you don’t need to put your hearing aids in for me. I’ll face you and speak slowly and plainly.”
Jordan nodded again, his smile widening, and left the hearing aids aside.
“Thank you, Alex,” Jordan replied. “I despise these damn things, or as I like to call them, ‘the banes of my existence’ that I have to endure.”
Alex sat down in the sturdy chair in front of Jordan’s desk and faced him. “I just wanted to let you know we safely settled Shadow in his kennel. Rebecca is amazing at what she does. She ensured he was comfortable and taught me how to put on the cone of shame.”
“That’s great to hear,” Jordan replied with a sincere smile. “Rebecca is a fantastic nurse—we’re lucky to have her here. Your help in today’s events made a big difference, too, Alex. I appreciate your quick thinking and the way you handled the situation.”
Alex smiled and nodded. Jordan proceeded to explain the post-surgery care plan for Shadow. Alex appreciated the detailed information about what to expect in the coming days.
“Thank you,” Alex said, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. “I want to do everything possible to make sure Shadow’s recovery goes well.”
Jordan continued to explain, “In the next fourteen days, we’ll need to watch Shadow closely. He’ll need to wear the cone to prevent him from licking or chewing at his surgical wounds. It will help prevent infections and allow the incisions to heal properly.”
Alex chuckled. “I would hate wearing that thing.”
Jordan smiled warmly. “They’re a bit of an inconvenience, but they serve an important purpose. We also need to make sure he doesn’t engage in strenuous activities during his recovery. No running or jumping for a while. We want to keep his heart rate and blood pressure steady.”
Alex nodded, fully committed to following the care plan. “Got it. No marathons for Shadow.”
Jordan continued, “We’ll also provide pain medication to keep him comfortable. Once we send him home with you in about a week, you’ll need to administer the medication as prescribed. And don’t worry—we’ll show you exactly how to do it. It’s crucial to check his incisions for any signs of infection or complications.”
Alex raised an eyebrow, a hint of fear in his voice. “Wait, I’m supposed to take him home? I thought you guys were the experts here.”
Jordan chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Well, yes, we are. But don’t worry; we’re not sending you and Shadow out into the wild without guidance. You’ll be just fine.”
Alex scratched his head, trying to process this extra responsibility. “All right, I trust you. But you might need to teach me a few things. I can handle a lot, but I’ve never been a doggy nurse.”
Jordan smiled. “Of course. We’ll make sure you’re fully prepared to care for him at home. It’s a team effort, and I’ll be here every step of the way.”
Alex yawned then, and he realized he couldn’t hide the exhaustion in his eyes. He saw Jordan look at him with concern.
“Lip reading words is tough when you yawn and talk simultaneously, did you know?” Jordan poked fun. “You look like you could use some rest, Alex. Shadow is in excellent hands, I promise. Why don’t you head home, get some sleep, and come back in the morning? You’ve done more than enough for today.”
“You’re right, I could use some shut-eye. Thanks for everything, Jordan. I’ll be back in the morning to check on Shadow. ”
Jordan offered a warm smile. “Take care. Shadow will be eagerly awaiting your return.”
Alex got up and shook Jordan’s hand. He left the office, and wound through the clinic’s hallways feeling exhausted and relieved.
As he neared the reception area, he spotted Rebecca. She was tending to some paperwork at the front desk. When she looked up and saw Alex approaching, she greeted him with a warm smile.
“Hey there,” she chirped. “Getting ready to leave?”
Alex nodded. “Yes, the good doctor said he has trouble reading lips when I yawn so much.”
Rebecca laughed. “That sounds like something he would say.Don’t worry about a thing here—we will make sure Shadow is well taken care of tonight.”
“My contact info is on the computer now. If anything happens or you need me, please call me anytime,” Alex said.
Rebecca nodded, her expression kind. “Understood. Take a break and get some rest.”
“Thank you, Rebecca,” Alex replied sincerely. “You’ve been a big help today. Please tell everyone at the clinic thanks for their hard work.”
Rebecca’s smile widened. “I will, honey.”
With a nod and a grateful heart, Alex bid Rebecca goodbye. Then, Alex stepped out of the clinic, looking forward to some much-needed rest.
As Alex stepped out of the Pawsitive Vibes Animal Clinic, he felt the warm sun on his skin. It was a stark contrast to the morning’s chaos. He made his way to his truck, a sense of relief washing over him as he approached the vehicle.
Sitting in the driver’s seat for a moment, thinking about today’s events, he started the engine and pulled out of the clinic’s parking lot. The soft afternoon sunbathed the picturesque coastal town of Brookings.
Driving down the winding roads, he decided it was time to call Aunt Lynn and let her know how things had unfolded. At a stop, he reached for his phone and dialed her number. He listened to the familiar ringing as he navigated the scenic route back to his rental house .
After a few rings, Aunt Lynn’s voice came through the line. “Hey, how’s everything going? Is the dog okay?”
Alex smiled at the sound of her voice, comforted by her presence even over the phone. “Hey, Aunt Lynn. He’s had surgery, and he is resting and recovering. The clinic staff is taking great care of him. They said it was touch and go there for a bit because of the loss of blood, but he’s a strong dog, and he will be okay.”
Aunt Lynn’s voice held a mix of relief and concern. “I’m glad to hear he’s getting the help he needs. And what about you? Are you okay?”
Alex chuckled softly. “I’m tired, but I’ll survive. I just wanted to call and let you know I appreciate you sending Jordan and the clinic’s team to my rescue.”
“Jordan is an amazing veterinarian. I knew he would do his best.”
Aunt Lynn listened intently as Alex recounted the day's events, including his phone call with Shadow’s owner and becoming a volunteer. There was a brief pause on the line as Aunt Lynn processed the information. “Well, that’s a difficult situation, Alex. I’m glad you could reach out to the owner. Let’s hope she chooses the right home for Shadow. I hope she doesn’t sell the dog until she figures out why her father doesn’t want or need him.”
Alex nodded, even though Aunt Lynn couldn’t see him. “Yeah, I hope so too. For now, the clinic is taking great care of him, and Jordan–he’s been accommodating.” He paused for a moment, then asked, “Aunt Lynn, why didn’t you ever tell me you opened the clinic? That’s such an amazing success, and I didn’t know.”
There was a soft chuckle on the other end of the line. Then Aunt Lynn replied, “Oh, honey, you’ve been through so much, and I know you love me. I didn’t want to burden you with all the details of my work. You were dealing with your recovery and rehabilitation.”
“I get that, Aunt Lynn, but I’m proud of you. You’ve achieved so much, and you’re helping so many animals and their owners. I feel bad for not knowing.”
“You never have to feel bad, sweetheart. I know how much you care about me, which means the world. Besides, you’ll see it firsthand now that you’re in Brookings. Especially now that you’re a volunteer at the clinic. ”
Alex smiled. “Yeah, I’m grateful they allowed me to volunteer there.”
“By the way, honey, I had a contractor over to the house this morning.I met him there, and he did a temporary fix on the bedroom window and ordered what he needed for the full repair.He said it would take a few days to get it fixed properly.While I was there, I cleaned up the glass. Oh my goodness, there was so much blood on the rug in front of the window that I had to throw it out,” Aunt Lynn said.“I also went shopping and stocked up the fridge since you clearly don’t know how to use a grocery store.You’ve been here for two weeks. I feel obliged to tell you that protein powder isn’t a food group. Why the hell is that container bigger than my car?”
Alex laughed. Aunt Lynn had always been very attentive and considerate to others. “You amaze me, Aunt Lynn—thank you for always caring for me.I’ll ignore the unnecessary bashing of my protein powder.” He paused with a smile. “Thank you very much.”
“You’re welcome, honey.Your dinner is in the microwave—I just left your place about half an hour ago.You get some rest. I love you.”
“Love you, too.” Alex said, grateful for the special relationship he shared with her.