EIGHTEEN
It was ungodly early when Felicity and I made our way into the sanctuary.The sun wasn't even up and most animals were still asleep, creating this lovely quiet atmosphere that didn't match the nervous energy sitting within me.
Especially when the Quarantine building came into view.
"I'm stressed," I admitted.
"About the Obie thing?"she guessed."Why?You did the right thing."
"I still feel bad.I never should have let them poke him.I knew that was going to stress him out.I just didn't have the guts to tell them to stand down."
She touched my arm."And next time, you will."
"Yeah, I won't let this happen again."I hesitated."I just hope Jacob or Gwen won't be mad at me for delaying the move.The workmen rushed getting the habitat done so I feel bad that I'm taking my time."
"They won't be mad.Delays happen.It depends on the animal, right?And Obie wasn't ready."
I sighed."Yeah, I know.I just feel bad.I let them poke Obie with sticks."
"Don't feel bad, it's not easy to advocate for your animals.Especially when you know that getting him moved out is good for him."
"I just wish I could tell him that."I said, horrified when I thought back to Obie's horrified little face.
We reached the veterinary clinic where Felicity grabbed my hands before I went in."You made a mistake.It's not the end of the world.Obie will be just fine.Just go in a few times today, with your pepperoni, and build up to him going into the crate.And then once you know you can do it, get a team together to move him."
"But people want him out of Quarantine.He keeps setting off the fire alarms."
"And that's their problem.You should only concern yourself with Obie's care and comfort."
She was right and I knew she was right.I was just mad at myself for not stepping in sooner and putting my foot down.I could've avoided a lot of unnecessary stress for Obie.
But I wasn't going to make the same mistake.Even if I would have to put in more hours and work to get our hellhound accustomed to the travel crate, it was worth letting him go at his own pace.
"I think I'll just stop by multiple times today to try and lure him into the crate," I said.
She nodded."Good idea.Don't pressure yourself by setting up a moving party.Just try and get him in the crate and when he does, just see who is free to help you move him."
"You're so wise."
"I know."She tossed an imaginary strand of hair over her shoulder."Call me Queen Felicity The Wise."
I snorted."And now you're a fool."
"You're the one in love with this fool."
A genuine laugh bubbled up from within me and
I went into reception to clock in, give Hatty a scratch while she was sleeping in her bed for once, and went through to Quarantine so I could say hello to Obie before the start of my rounds.
Since it was so early, Quarantine was quiet and I liked that much better than when the animals were shrieking and quacking or if it was full of people.This way, it felt like it was just me and the animals and nobody else in the world.
I got to Obie's bay and checked the window, shocked to see him curled up in the transport crate instead of his usual corner.Maybe the stress from yesterday had caused him to seek out something enclosed, like a den.
This was amazing.
I tiptoed in, my heart pounding in my chest.I couldn't mess this up again.This was my chance.
Obie opened his eyes when he heard me coming, two red glowing orbs in the darkness of his transport crate.
