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"Well, some cats might be." She shrugs and hands me Mr. Muffin’s transport box. "But you've got to remember, all these little cuties have gone through so much worse and scarier things. A transport box is a piece of cake in comparison, at least they get treats in there."

"Right. It's easy to forget with how loving they are."

"It's certainly a process," Brooke hands me the box holding Luna, too, and shoots me a knowing look. "You need patience and a whole lot of love." Her lips curl into a smirk. "And treats. Lots of treats."

"Food is the way to the heart," I declare with a solemn nod and carry the two animals inside. We set them down in a quiet corner. They don’t seem eager to get out. Mr. Muffing even swats at me. Traitor.

"Let's give them a minute to settle in and take the dogs for a walk." Brooke is already pulling their harnesses out of a duffel bag.

Dick stayed at home, and I already fear what I’ll find once I return. My bet is on a bunch of destroyed couch pillows. Still better than having him weaseling around us, demanding attention and taking a mud bath in one of the mud puddles around here.

Brooke grabs the sleeve of my jacket and pulls me with her. Then promptly hands me two leashes once we’re outside.

"Can’t they run free on this property?" I clip Rose and Blanche into their harnesses, then wait for her to do the same.

"I mean, they could," she explains and walks ahead once she’s done. "But I don't want them to scare any squirrels. And right now, they're all too buzzed for my taste, so leash it is."

"Makes sense."

For the first few meters, I brace myself, waiting for the point where they’ll discover something interesting and drag me in opposite directions. But no such thing. They walk next to me, attentive, not even pulling on their leashes and having a grand old time.

Brooke leads us away from the cabin and the main house, through apple orchards and along bare maple trees until we reach an odd wooden fence, where she comes to a stop.

I put my arms on the top rail and follow her gaze. There are hills, a lot of grass and the occasional tree before the land turns into a full-fledged forest on the horizon.

"You know, this was supposed to be it." She wistfully stares into the distance and lets out a deep sigh.

"What?" I glance at her.

"The sanctuary," she explains and points at the other side of the fence. My breath hitches, eyes widening. I didn’t know the property she’s buying is right here.

"Next to your parents?" Talk about a tight family bond.

"Yup." She nods, still peering at the vast lawn in front of us. "You know, it could have been perfect." She clears her throat.

"I could have torn down this fence and we could have combined the properties, you know? They could use some of mine for more trees or an orchard, as long as they’d be okay sharing the space with animals. The dogs could have more room to run. And I’d know for sure I would never have issues with my neighbors a shared bottle of cider wouldn’t help sort out."

She clears her throat and puts her hands on the wooden fence, careful not to get a splinter. "But I don't see it happening anymore."

I cover one of them with mine, and she laces our fingers.

"Why does it all have to go wrong, Kieran?" Her voice breaks as she says my name. "It was going so well, and now one terrible thing is happening after another."

"Because sometimes the universe sucks." I let go of her hands and put my arm over her shoulders instead, holding my breath as I wait for her reaction. I’m a touchy person. But was her head on my shoulder this morning a one-off?

Ever so softly, she leans into the half hug. I let out the breath I had been holding. "But I'm convinced the universe only hands out these kinds of challenges to people it knows can handle them. Gotta wade through shit to reach, ehh…" I shrug. “The other side. Something good. You know what I mean.”

"I know.” She glances up at me, unconvinced. “But do you really believe in it? The non-shit at the end of the manure field?"

For a moment, I mull over my answer. Do I? If I did, shouldn’t the manure field end by now? Or is this already the non-shit muddy grass?

“It's what I like to tell myself, at least."

"Now that makes more sense." Her next sigh turns white in front of her face, and she closes her eyes for a moment.

"Don't give up yet," I whisper and give her shoulders a reassuring squeeze. "Usually, the universe also rewards those who bring positivity to the world. And considering all the animals you're saving, I'd say you're doing enough good to warrant a break."

"Thank you." Brooke whispers and turns sideways to face me.