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“Really?” He looked surprised.
“Well, the movies were good too. The poor guy started crying! He was cute, though, I just pet him till he stopped.” I laughed hard, and Ben joined.
“Pet him?” Ben laughed. “You’re a vet.”
I sat next to him. “He liked it,” I defended. “It was cute, though, if a little sad that he was crying.”
“He’s always very emotional about movies. He cries at the slightest tragedy.” Ben said, smiling fondly.
Our conversation flowed like a river with stones on it. There were obstacles, but we still talked like there were none. We acted like the almost-kiss never happened.
It was never forgotten, but we both feared bringing it back up.
After a short conversation, the brightness of the day gave way to darkness. I needed to go home.
“I need to leave. Tell Michael I’ll see him another time.” I stood up and made way for the door.
Ben walked me to the door and waved me goodbye.
Leaving Ben’s house that night, my heart was full. The warm welcome I received had transcended words, a reminder that the true essence of a home lies not just in its physical attributes, but in the love and connection it holds. It was 6:30 pm, and if I wanted to make it in time for dinner at home, I had to get on the road now.
The smiles on my face stayed all through the drive home though.
CHAPTER 14
Ben
As I lay in the comfort of my bed, I found myself wrapped in the serenity of slumber. The gentle rhythm of my breathing harmonized with the stillness of the room, and dreams wove their tapestry in my mind. It was a realm where time seemed suspended, worries were distant memories, and tranquility reigned.
I’d put Michael to bed already, and it was my turn to sleep.
But the tranquility shattered as a shrill ring sliced through the calm. My eyes snapped open, and a bewildered haze clung to my thoughts. The phone on the bedside table demanded attention, its glow cutting through the dimness.
With a groggy hand, I reached for the device, grappling to comprehend the intrusion.
"Hello?" I mumbled; my voice still heavy with sleep.
On the other end, an urgent voice spilled into my ear. “The cows need urgent medical attention; they’re not doing well.”
As soon as I heard these words, reality rushed back, and my heart quickened as I absorbed the news. The spell of peace was broken, replaced by the urgency of the moment.
As I hung up the call, I sat on the edge of the bed, mind racing. The world outside my cozy sanctuary had resumed its pace, and I was thrust into reality once again. But even as I navigated the demands of the waking world, a part of me longed for the serenity of that interrupted slumber, where there were no worries and time stood still. But I shook it off.
I couldn’t think of what to do.
Olivia!
I picked up my phone again and dialed her.
It rang, but no response. I wasn’t going to give up, so I called again, and she took the call.
“Hey!” I said with urgency.
“Hey!” Hey voice was faint.
“The cows on the ranch. They’re sick. I need your help. I need to go there now and I need your help with them.” My breath was shaky and so was my voice.
“Can’t it wait until tomorrow?” She was still deep in sleep.
