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It was a few years old. I could tell because it was large but it still had funny-sized paws it hadn't grown into. It smiled at everyone, but it only started wagging when it saw Hilde.
She ran right to him and hugged like they'd known each other forever. The dog clearly knew how to work its charms, because it dolloped a big sloppy kiss on her and continued wagging, its whole body in on the act.
It was some type of lab mix but a little more tough looking than those dogs usually are. It had the golden color but a blocky head. It pushed that head against Hilde's when she hugged its big torso, so that the soft sides of their faces pressed against each other.
Anyone who looked at her and the dog smiled. It was like soulmates, and it made everyone feel good to see how joy radiated from them.
Hilde called out to me, “Come here, Anya! Feel how perfectly soft he is. What's your name, little guy?”
She read his collar. It said, “Maximus.” She laughed and joked, “Max, you're so soft! What shampoo do you use? I could use some for my hair.”
The dog answered with a kiss. Then they went back to hugging.
I approached and attempted to pet the dog, but their heads were so close and they were wiggling so much, I missed. I petted Hilde on the top of her head.
I noticed my mistake in less than a moment, of course, but not before I noticed how soft her hair was. She certainly didn't need new shampoo. The current one was doing the job.
She jumped up at the shock of the touch of my hand. We stood there, the dog panting happily between us.
All I could see was her eyes. And that shocked expression. Pretty blue eyes over a wholesome, pink mouth.
She broke our staring contest first by looking down at her shoes and wringing her hands.
I pointed at the dog and said, “So you want that one?”
She said, quietly, unsure, “Yes?”
I asked her, more harshly than I intended, “Do you want it or not?”
She said, looking hurt, “Yes! Yes, I want him. He's perfect.”
She looked at me again when she said perfect. Right into my eyes.
She always said things like they were the absolute truth. I wondered if she'd ever lied in her life. Maybe, but only half-truths, to save people's feelings.
I said, “Sign the paperwork, then. Charge any fees to my credit card. I'm going to go make sure a child hasn't fallen off the bouncy slide.”
I walked away in a hurry. I had found that lately, whenever we were quiet for more than a moment, I found an excuse to leave her.
I guess I was worried about what I might say, if I had the time to say it.
