4. Spam
Spam
Rory is different today.
Usually I love spending time at the barn, but today, something is off.
Her eyes look sad, like she’s trying to trick someone into giving her food from the table, except real. And even though she hasn’t told me what’s on her mind, I can tell she needs comfort.
That, I can do.
Once the car starts moving, I try to crawl into her lap.
“Not now, Spam,” she says, pushing me away.
I sit back, stunned.
She’s never done that before.
I whine to let her know I’m here for her, but she doesn’t respond.
So instead of comforting my best friend, I watch silently through the windshield as she drives us home.
The familiar main street comes into view. We’re almost there. I’m so excited.
Once we get home, I can nip at Nate’s heels until he goes to Rory. If she won’t let me comfort her, maybe she’ll be open to him. He usually makes her smile.
But as we get close to the turn, she moves the wheel the wrong way.
I bark to let her know about the error. We all make mistakes. Not a big deal.
She ignores me again, though, and doesn’t turn around.
Something is definitely going on. I wonder if it has anything to do with how Rory and Nate were talking before we left the house. Their voices were loud, so I figured they were excited. Like I am when someone brings a package to the door.
But now, I’m starting to wonder if I was wrong.
She turns into a driveway that’s not home, but it’s familiar. I’ve been here before. I have vague memories of a woman petting me.
Maybe they have treats this time. That’ll cheer Rory up, even if I can’t.
For now, at least. But I’m going to make it my mission to make her happy again.