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19
LENORE
How’s Norman doing?
The text comes through as I let myself in through the garage, almost as if they know I’ve just gotten home.
Good. They said he just needs to put on weight and get fixed but otherwise he’s perfectly healthy.
There’s no response right away, so I set my phone on the counter and move toward the front of the house to watch Matt pull away.
I almost asked him to come in, but there’s something to be said for not being too clingy. Since the day we met, we’ve spent a lot of time together.
We’re glad. We just wanted to let you know, no rush on finding him a home. If he needs to stay with you for a little while it’ll be okay, and if you wind up deciding to keep him that’s okay too.
I could almost cry. The thought of rehoming Norman was looming in the back of my mind whenever I looked at him. A lot of my simmering anxiety was because I thought I would have to rush to find Norm a new home, and I desperately wanted to keep him.
Thank you so much! We found out he didn’t have a microchip so we think he might just be a stray. I’ve been dropping him off with friends during the day so he’s not home alone and he’s been very good about behaving.
This time, the response is quicker.
Don’t worry about it right now. We’ll figure everything out when the time comes.
I fire off a quick thank you before taking my phone upstairs and plugging it in. I kicked my shoes off downstairs and, for once, didn’t have to peel myself out of a pair of pantyhose and dress clothes. The irrepressible weight from a job I dreaded was lifting too.
That’s another thing Matt’s helped with. I don’t feel exhausted at the end of the day anymore, and I look forward to going to work in the morning.
I shift through my clothes to find something appropriate for a semi-formal summer party that’s not too stuffy. I settle on a pretty shift dress with little butterflies embroidered in the fabric and a pair of strappy heels. I’ll worry about the jewelry tomorrow.
I set out the outfit, hanging the dress on the shower stall to help get some wrinkles out. Turning back to the bedroom, I find Norm curled up in the middle of my bed, fast asleep. The last few days have been as much of a whirlwind for him as they have for me.
Feeling energized, I pull on my tennis shoes and go downstairs. Grabbing a can of bug spray, I coat myself and set off for my nightly walk around the property.
A looping trail weaves around the edge of their property. It swerves through dark stands of pine trees only to open up into areas bright with light and tiny grassy spots somewhere in between. My favorite spot is near the back. After rounding a curve, the trees open to an area filled with ferns and low, slanting light. It sparks fond memories of one of my favorite books as a child, Where The Red Fern Grows.
It always confounded Mom that someone who didn’t like the outdoors would love that book so much, but I identified with the boy and his want of a dog. Or really any pet. It’s fitting that it’s here where Norman tumbled into my life.
It takes an hour to make the full loop at my leisurely pace. When I make it back to the house, I’m pleasantly winded and glad to call it my exercise for the day. One thing's for certain, cardio is not my strong suit. Norm’s already curled up at the foot end, fast asleep.
Mental images of Matt in the shower and moving around the space flood my brain, and I wonder what he’s doing tonight.
I shower quickly and wash my hair tonight so I won’t have to do it tomorrow. Stepping out of the stall, I wrap myself up in a towel. The urge to text Matt draws me to my phone, and I send a quick message.
What are you up to tonight?My curiosity is eating at me.
The response comes before I can set my phone down.
Mowing the lawn. It’s looking a lot like a jungle at the moment.
I feel guilty for interrupting him and don’t plan on responding until a second message pops up.
What are you doing?
Took a walk around the property. We might have to take it easy tomorrow. I'm pretty out of shape.
You’re in plenty fine shape.
The message is followed by a couple winking emojis.
