Page 19 of Guarding Glenda

“You barged into the bathroom while I was on the toilet.”

I stepped closer, the soft smell of her wafted up. “I said sorry. Just freaked me out when you weren’t where I left you.”

Her glare softened. “Sam said I needed to move and walk. Plus, I had to go, and you were busy.”

“Well, I’m here now. How do you feel?”

She sighed. “Worn out.”

I put my hand out, and she paused then took it so I used my other one to hold her steady and help her back to the bed.

“Wait, can we go outside?”

My brows pinched. “Outside? You’re not leaving.”

She rolled her eyes. “I mean to drink coffee. I’ve been cooped up for days.”

“Oh. Well, c’mon.”

We shuffled down the hallway, and Bruce made his way back inside, sauntering down the hall and wagging his tail.

“Watch out, Bruce,” I told him.

“Oh, he’s fine. Aren’t you, Bruce?”

“He’s a damn traitor.”

“Oh, that smells good,” she said as we walked through the kitchen. Bruce followed us out and I helped her get settled in one of the chairs. The sun was starting to peek through the trees and the air was crisp.

“Sorry it’s not softer.” I had basic plastic chairs on the deck. There were some sturdier ones in the yard, but not by much. “Are you cold?”

She let out a huge breath, the air crystalizing as she closed her eyes. “It feels great.”

“Be right back. Bruce, sit.”

Bruce circled before finally plopping down at her feet.

I went in and filled up two mugs. After I joined her on the porch, we sat in silence as we sipped our coffee. I refilled us both twice and we quietly soaked up the cool morning air and the sound of the daytime wildlife waking up together.

Bruce lifted his head and the hair on his back stood. Just as he started to growl, the sounds of knocks echoed outside.

“That’s probably Linny. I’ll go let ‘em in.”

When I opened the door, Sam was waiting with Bama and Linny.

“Hey, doc. C’mon in, guys. We were out back.”

They all stopped and Linny’s lip thinned.

“Damn. I didn’t say I left her on the floor. Bruce is with her.”

Sam headed to the back, taking quick strides and we followed. Dick.

“Glenda, how ya doing?” he asked as he stepped outside.

She tucked some loose hair behind her ear. It was wild and wavy. “Getting some fresh air. I’ve been stuck inside, what? A week? Over a week.”

He smiled. “Does it count if you only remember the last few days, though?”