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“I’m not going to sugarcoat this,” Dr. Barb said with concern in her pale blue eyes. "Stinker is old and weak, and there’s a good chance he might not make it through the surgery. There are other options we can consider.”
Suzy’s eyes widened. “Let him die?”
“We make him comfortable. He’s had a good life. I know this is a difficult decision.”
“With surgery?” Suzy asked, her hands shaking. “What are his chances?”
“There are no guarantees, but if he gets through the surgery, he could live longer and still have a good life. Most often, the surgery is highly effective.” The vet smiled at her, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “But he’s old and might not live through the surgery. I’ll let you decide and be back in a bit. There’s no right decision here. I’m sorry.”
Suzy held Stinker close to her heart, his whiskers tickling her nose. What should she do? Dr. Barb was right. There were nogood decisions, but she was sure just letting him die was not the choice for them. Stinker was a fighter like her mom.
He loved life. If there was a chance to save him, she had to take it.
The door opened. Megan walked in, tears in her eyes. “I came as soon as I could. I’m sorry, Suz.”
Suzy placed Stinker on the soft blue blanket and rushed into her sister’s arms.
Megan held her tightly. It felt like the last time they both saw their sweet mom. All the hidden, dark, and scary emotions over losing her cut deep.
Suzy couldn’t lose Stinker, too.
“What did you decide?” Megan stroked her hair like she did when she was a young girl.
Suzy pulled away. “He’s going to have the surgery.”
“Are you sure?” Concern deep in her sister’s eyes. “The vet said there is a high chance he won’t make it. Not to mention the expense of the surgery.”
“I can’t let him go.” Suzy’s body trembled. “Not now.”
“I’ll stay with him. You get ready. I’ll call as soon as he’s done. Try not to worry about him. I’ll be here.”
“What are you talking about?” Suzy asked.
“Your show starts in a few hours,” Megan said, tapping her fit bit. "Sometimes, we have to do hard things.”
Suzy shook her head. “There’s no way I can leave him.”
“But this is your big night—”
“I love him more than my art. I’m not going anywhere. Can you please let Daniel know? Tell him I’m sorry.”
Her sister nodded. “Do you want me to go for you or stay here with you?”
“Stay.”
The two sisters embraced again, and then Megan went outside in the hall to call Daniel with the news.
***
Daniel mounted Suzy's last painting. He was beyond proud of her. For her first show, she had fifteen solid pieces. Plus, thanks to him and Vivian, there had been quite a bit of buzz about her show.
“Darling, I’m back,” called Vivian as she glided through the front entrance.
Speak of the devil. He turned. Vivian always amazed him; today, she looked like a strutting peacock in a blue suit; her usual black hat held a blue feather, and she wore long dangling feathering earrings.
"Did you miss me?” She embraced him and kissed both of his cheeks. “Of course you did.”
He had, strange as it was. Vivian was usually his biggest headache out of all his artists, but she was also one who sincerely cared about him. She often stopped by for no reason, which used to irk him, but his life had been too quiet this last week without her.
