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Those words sounded like beautiful music in my ears. I was happy that my animals would be fine, and I didn’t need to drive to the next town, leaving Mike behind. “Thank you so much, Nelly,” I said.
“And forgive me for not asking since, but what brings you here?” I asked.
“Me? Oh, I come here every month for my routine medication. It is not a big deal. Just old age catching up with me.But I’ll be fine soon. The doctors said I just need to come for an extra month.” She explained.
“These doctors don’t know what they’re talking about! How dare they call a 16-year-old pretty like you, old? They should lose their jobs.” I teased her.
“You’ve started again, Ben.” She smiled.
“Then, let me get going. I’ll be expecting the vet, Aunt Nelly.” I waved her goodbye, and she did the same. Then I left, relieved, heading for home.
I’d call Carlos, and he would close things up for the day. I needed to get back to Michael, or else my phone would start ringing any minute.
CHAPTER 3
Olivia
The days seemed to blur together, each one passing in a monotonous cycle of solitude and silence. I buried myself in books, using their fictional worlds as an escape from my reality. Yet, no matter how many pages I turned, I couldn’t escape the cloud of heaviness that hung over me.
The rain had been a constant companion, its persistent patter against the windows echoing the melancholy within me. I found myself sitting by the window, gazing at the world beyond, though I couldn’t muster the courage to step outside. It was as if a barrier had formed around me, one that kept me isolated from the unfamiliar faces and landscapes of Texas.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and cast a warm glow across the room, Aunt Nelly returned from work. She looked tired, and I could see the frustration etched on her face as she recounted the challenges faced by the ranchers in the county. I listened quietly, my gaze fixed on my hands, my heart heavy with a mixture of guilt and empathy.
"There's a herd of cattle down at the Thompson ranch," she sighed, taking a seat at the kitchen table. "Infected withsome illness, and the poor things are suffering. We need a veterinarian, but it seems they've all left the county."
I looked up, my curiosity piqued. "All the veterinarians left?"
Nelly nodded her expression a mix of concern and frustration.
"Yes, it's been a struggle for the ranchers and pet owners. Without a veterinarian nearby, their animals are at risk."
I bit my lip, feeling a twinge of guilt for not having ventured beyond the walls of the house. It was as if the world had carried on without me, and I was left behind in my bubble of isolation. The weight of my inaction pressed down on me, making it difficult to meet Nelly's gaze.
"I can imagine how difficult that must be," I mumbled, my voice barely above a whisper.
Nelly sighed, her eyes filled with understanding. "You know, Olivia, sometimes it's the smallest acts of kindness that can make the biggest difference."
I nodded; my throat tight. It wasn't lost on me that she wasn't directly asking me to go and help, but the implication was clear. My aunt had a way of communicating without using words, and she knew me well enough to understand that sometimes all it took was a gentle nudge.
A silence settled between us, and I felt a mixture of emotions churn within me. A part of me wanted to embrace the opportunity to help, to step outside of my comfort zone, and make a meaningful impact. But the fear, the weight of my depression, held me back like an anchor.
Nelly pushed a plate of freshly baked cookies toward me, her smile warm and comforting.
"Why don't you take these to your room and enjoy them while you read? They might sweeten your day a little."
I managed a small smile and stood up, taking the plate of cookies with me. As I turned to leave, she spoke again, her wordsa gentle whisper that lingered in the air. "Remember, Olivia, the world outside is waiting for you whenever you're ready."
I nodded, my heart a mixture of gratitude and apprehension. I knew Nelly's intentions were pure, her love unwavering. And yet, the battle within me was far from over.
As I left the kitchen and retreated to my room, I let the weight of her words settle within me, knowing that eventually, I’d have to confront the fear that held me captive.
The night was wrappedin darkness, the world shrouded by the silhouette of the billowing clouds. The soft patter of rain against my umbrella was a gentle companion as I strolled down the road, my steps deliberate and cautious. The tranquil stillness of Dallas County at night enveloped me, a stark contrast to the turmoil I felt within.
I marveled at the peacefulness around me, a serenity that seemed to have been waiting patiently for my arrival. The distant glow of lamplights cast a warm ambiance, illuminating the path before me. For a moment, I wondered why I hadn’t considered making this place my home sooner. The thought was fleeting, but it lingered in my mind as I continued my walk.
Lost in thought, I was startled when a burst of energy darted toward me. A small, fluffy white puppy came bounding my way, barking playfully, and wagging its tail as if inviting me to join in its revelry. I couldn’t help but laugh, my melancholic mood momentarily lifted by the puppy's joyful antics.
I bent down to greet the miniature creature, my fingers brushing against its soft fur.
