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Eaton stands back behind us, watching intently while Ian guides me in checking over the meerkat. It doesn’t even try to struggle against our touch. It’s horrible to see. He should be running around. I try to think back in the books I’ve read as to what could be wrong with him.
“He’s got a fever,” I announce as his temperature is taken. “Oh God.” It suddenly hits me what this could be. “Is it toxoplasmosis?” It’s a parasitic infection that can be fatal.
“It is. We’ve already put him on antibiotics and started the other meerkats on them as well. It’s a big problem in zoos because of the different types of animals. You’ll need to make sure you wash your hands with antibacterial soap when you leave as it can be passed on to humans,” the vet explains.
“I didn’t know that.” Eaton steps forward, concern for me on his face.
“It’s all right, Eaton. It’s not likely to happen,” I reassure him. “We just need to make sure we wash our hands before eating. Poor thing. Will he be all right?” I stroke the meerkat.
My knowledge of his illness and the fact he’s so lethargic concerns me.
“We’ve caught it early. He was the runt of the litter, so I think that’s why he’s been hit so hard.”
“You must let me know how he progresses, please.” I turn to Eaton. “Is that all right?”
Eaton nods.
“Well done on spotting what was wrong. You know your stuff?”
I shrug. “I’m all right on the theory. It’s the practical side I’m not sure about.”
I feel proud of myself for recognizing the symptoms. But also, it makes me feel a little sad. My life could have been so different.
The rest of the day passes in a blur of observing and treating different animals with Ian as my teacher. The big cats remain my favorites, and my excitement reaches fever pitch when I’m allowed to feed CJ. I’m not allowed directly in the cage, but I throw some pieces of food into his enclosure for him.
The helicopter ride back to Vegas isn’t as scary as the outgoing journey. I’m too exhausted and happy to care about the bumps or the strange sensation of floating. I think I must fall asleep for a little while, holding the stuffed tiger toy Eaton bought for me, because the journey doesn’t seem as long as on the way there.
“Thank you for taking me.” I cuddle up to Eaton on the sofa in his lounge after Max and Lena have retired to their rooms. “It was the most amazing place in the world. Seeing those wild cats in real life was incredible. Even though they’re much larger, I don’t think they’re very different from the little cat I looked after in Pharr.’
“Speaking of which.” Eaton gently pushes me away and gets to his feet.
“What?” Confused, I look up at him as he holds his hand out to me.
“Come with me. I want to show you something.”
“More surprises? You’ve given me enough today,” I tell him as I get to my feet and take his hand.
He turns me, so I’m facing him. His expression is serious.
“What’s wrong, Eaton?” I ask.
“Shelby, I know this situation isn’t conventional, and you will never have the freedom that a woman your age should have, but I do want you to be happy here and not hate being with me. Do you know what I mean.”
“I do. You’re grumpy, a control freak, and you have a bipolar personality, so it’s sometimes a little hard to know which Eaton I’m going to get, but I am happy.”
“That wasn’t exactly what I meant, but I appreciate your honesty.”
Eaton leads me through the house and out into the backyard. The heat, even this late in the evening, hits me. It’s not oppressive, though, because there’s a gentle breeze rippling over the desert. Eaton flips a switch on the wall and a light turns on to reveal a new caged area. In the middle of it sits Betty.
“Betty.” I run toward her. “How?” I turn back to Eaton.
“Apparently, she kept coming back to the trailer, calling for you. I had her brought here and the cage installed today. I don’t know much about looking after her, or whether this cage is all right because she’s feral, but she’ll need some special care because she’s going to have kittens.”
“Kittens? She’s pregnant. Betty, you naughty girl.” I laugh as I enter the cage, and bringing her into my arms, I stroke her ears. She purrs loudly and settles.
“She can come into the house. I don’t mind. I just wouldn’t want her roaming around outside without the cage. There’s a lot of wildlife that could attack her,” Eaton continues to explain.
“I’ll have to read up about what we need to do.” I put Betty back down and make my way out of the cage to where Eaton is standing. “Thank you. I was thinking about her today while I was with all the big cats. I’m glad she’s here. She was my one friend in Pharr.”
