Chapter 15
Alex
Alex sat in the driver's seat of his truck. His heart raced with excitement and nervousness. Shadow lay peacefully in the kennel in the back seat, his steady breathing and calm expression offering comfort.
The drive home was both thrilling and daunting for Alex. He glanced at the pup occasionally, watching him sleep soundly. He wondered if he was ready for the journey ahead, the late-night meds and early-morning bandage changes, and the unconditional love and companionship that Shadow would undoubtedly bring into his life temporarily until the clinic found him a new owner.
With each passing mile, Alex's anxiety seemed to grow. He questioned whether he was making the right decision and whether he could provide the care and love that Shadow deserved. The weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders, and he felt a bit overwhelmed.
Finally, Alex pulled into his driveway, the familiar sight of his home offering a small measure of reassurance. He turned off the engine and glanced at Shadow in the back seat. The pup stirred, his tail wagging gently as he met Alex's eyes with a trusting gaze.
As he looked into Shadow's eyes, Alex's anxiety began to ebb away. He realized he had been given a tremendous gift: the chance to care for this incredible dog. He knew there would be challenges ahead, but he also knew that he was willing to face them head-on for the sake of his newfound furry friend.
Taking a deep breath, Alex opened the truck door and stepped out. He walked around the truck to the back seat and carefully lifted the kennel containing Shadow into his arms.
Alex carried Shadow in his kennel to the front door, setting him down and gently caressing the side of his face.
"Alright, buddy, welcome home," he said, offering Shadow a smile. He knew this was a significant change for both of them, and he wanted Shadow to feel comfortable and loved.
When they entered the living room, Alex noticed the thoughtful preparations made by Brenda and Lisa. The large open space was adorned with multiple comfortable dog beds in various corners, ensuring Shadow would have a cozy place to rest in whichever room Alex decided to spend time in. A set of shiny stainless steel dog bowls was neatly placed by the fireplace, ready for meals and water. Colorful plush toys were scattered around the floor, offering entertainment and engagement for the recovering dog. Alex was particularly fond of the Mr. Bill red, white, and blue plush toy, which said the “Ohh Nooo!!” catchphrase every time he squeezed it. He caught himself having too much fun with that last night after Brenda and Lisa left.
Alex gently lowered Shadow next to one of the plush dog beds in the living room, carefully to make sure he was comfortable.
He leaned down and spoke to Shadow like the German Shepherd could understand every word. "All right, Shadow, we need to go over some house rules here to ensure we're on the same page."
Shadow looked up at him with his soulful eyes in that ridiculous cone, seemingly attentive to the conversation.
"Rule number one," Alex began, "No loud parties after ten p.m. I've had my fair share of late-night shenanigans with my military buddies, and trust me—they always end up with someone regretting it the next morning."
Shadow tilted his head as if contemplating the wisdom of the rule.
"Rule number two," Alex continued with a grin. "No girls –- or guys, I don't judge –- are allowed for sleepovers. I don't want to wake up to the walk of shame like I did back in my army days when my buddies brought their 'friends' over."
Shadow's ears perked up at the mention of friends, perhaps wondering what kind of friends they were.
"Rule number three," Alex said, "No eating my food. I need all that protein to keep up with you, and I don't want to find my peanut butter mysteriously disappearing."
Shadow whimpered like he was acknowledging this rule.
"Rule number four," Alex continued. "Leave the toilet seat up. I've had enough arguments about that in the past, and it's just easier this way."
"Rule number five," Alex chuckled. "Don't use my razor to shave your... well, let's just say, keep your personal grooming to yourself. Wait, never mind, I forgot that doesn’t apply to you." Alex cringed, remembering Shadow was neutered. “Sorry, buddy, the world is harsh.”
Shadow's expression remained unchanged, not quite comprehending the reference.
"And last but not least," he said with genuine affection. "Rule number six. Get better fast, little buddy. We're in this together, and I promise to take good care of you."
With the rules laid out, Alex gave Shadow a reassuring pat on the head.
He got to work in the kitchen, preparing a special dinner for Jordan. He enjoyed cooking, and he wanted to impress the handsome doctor. With Shadow comfortably settled nearby, he felt a sense of contentment as he moved around the house's open floor plan.
He started by preheating the oven to the perfect temperature for the salmon. As the oven warmed up, he retrieved a fillet of fresh salmon from the fridge and placed it on a clean cutting board. With a chef's precision, he carefully seasoned the fish with a blend of herbs and spices –- a secret recipe he'd picked up from Aunt Lynn.
Next, he arranged a colorful assortment of vegetables on a baking sheet. Sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes were drizzled with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Alex loved the vibrant colors—they reminded him of their town's beautiful coastal scenery .
While the salmon was baking to perfection in the oven, he heated a skillet on the stovetop. With a splash of olive oil, he sautéed garlic and shallots until they released their delightful aroma. The sound of the sizzling in the pan filled the kitchen, adding to the anticipation of the meal.
Shadow raised his head and observed, his eyes following Alex's every move. Alex couldn't help but smile at the looks that Shadow was giving him as he moved around the kitchen.
As the salmon and vegetables finished cooking, Alex plated them with care, creating a visually appealing dish as delightful to the eyes as it was to the taste buds. He garnished it with fresh herbs and a drizzle of lemon juice for that extra flavor. He was grateful that Aunt Lynn bought him oval-shaped plates for more significant portions.
With the table set, Alex placed their plates in the oven and set the oven to proof to keep the food warm but not cook. Then he got annoyed that the food was ready too early and Jordan was not there yet. His excitement was palpable as he awaited Jordan's arrival.
As the savory aroma of the salmon filled the air and the dining table was set, Alex sat next to Shadow in the living room.
"Hey there, buddy," Alex began, his voice soft and contemplative. "I just wanted to talk to someone about everything happening lately."
Shadow looked up at Alex in his cone, his eyes understanding.
"I've had a great week, you know," Alex continued, scratching behind Shadow's ear. "Meeting Jordan and spending time with him has been amazing. He's a great guy and more than I could have hoped for."
As he spoke, Alex smiled at the thought of Jordan. Yet, beneath that excitement lay a layer of apprehension.
"But, buddy…" Alex sighed. "I'm also scared. When the real me comes out, when the nightmares hit, or when he sees what my PTSD is really like, is he going to run for the hills? I don't know how he'll react when he realizes how truly fucked up I am."
Shadow leaned closer to Alex, trying to nuzzle his hand, offering comfort, but the cone interfered, and Alex reached into the cone to pet his head. Alex appreciated the gesture, and his eyes softened as he continued to talk to Shadow.
"I've been open about it so far, and he's seemed okay with it," he admitted. "But what happens when it gets real? When the demons come out, and I'm not just the guy who cooked dinner and took care of you and the clinic? I'm scared that when he sees the real me, he’ll decide I'm too much to handle."
Alex paused, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "But, Shadow, there's something about him... something that makes me want to try, you know. To take the risk. Maybe he’ll surprise us. I hope so."
Shadow's gaze remained fixed on Alex, his silent support unwavering. In the presence of his faithful companion, he felt a sense of peace, as if sharing his fears and hopes had lightened the burden on his shoulders, even if just a little.
With a sigh, Alex leaned back. “You are way more fun to talk to than Dr. Martin.”
A sudden realization swept over him like a chilling breeze. The next day, he had an appointment with Dr. Martin. His initial session had gone better than expected. Still, the thought of seeing a therapist again, delving deeper into his PTSD, and potentially unearthing more painful memories filled him with unease. He let out a deep sigh and scratched Shadow's head absentmindedly.
"Well, buddy, it looks like I've got another round with Dr. Martin tomorrow," he murmured, his brow furrowing with apprehension and resignation.
Shadow, ever wise, turned his gaze toward Alex, his dark eyes filled with empathy. He seemed to sense the turmoil that churned within his human companion.
"It's not that I don't want to get better," Alex continued. "It's just... revisiting those memories, those places in my mind... it's tough, you know?"
Alex leaned back against the couch, deep in thought. The weight of the past bore down on him, and he felt trepidation about what awaited him in the therapist's office.
"I've come this far," he mused aloud. "Maybe I need to face the darkness head-on. For myself, Jordan, and a chance at something... better."