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My phone buzzed. It was Jenna asking me about the dress code at Three Maples. My heart sank that I’d forgotten to tell her I wouldn’t make the Sunday service after all.
Come as you are. I usually wear something like I would to work, because my closet is just full of frumpy clothes. (laughing emoji) People wear jeans and shirts, or some dress up. Whatever you are comfortable in is fine.
I hit send, immediately starting my next text.
I’m so sorry but I won’t be there this Sunday after all. I’m going to visit my parents, but I will be there next Sunday.
She replied quickly.
That’s great about the dress code. And don’t worry, I’m going to be fine. My husband agreed to go with me, and the kids will attend as well. Have a safe trip!
My heart warmed learning that she was taking her whole family to church.
I had set my alarm as I would for a workday so that we could hit the road before nine. I analyzed the route. It was about a six or seven-hour drive if you counted traffic, but there were some beautiful picnic areas along the way that I mapped out where we could stop for Dolly’s potty breaks and to stretch our legs. Each place was popular and out in the wide open, complete with playgrounds for children and families. Never would I be alone in an area off the interstate—that I agreed on with my mother wholeheartedly.
When I moved out this way, I was alone. The drive wasn’t unbearable, but without a companion, I decided to break it up into two days, so I never had to continue driving while feeling exhausted. But I made the mistake of drinking too much water and had to take a few emergency bathroom breaks. I found most rest stops were manned by a staff; a man and a woman had a table set up serving coffee and cookies. Truckers, families, and police would be in and out daily and relied on the support. But for a young woman traveling by herself, I was relieved that I wasn’t the only one there.
Except for the one stop where there was no staff.
There were no cars. No trucks. I just knew there was a killer inside waiting for me. But nature called. I drove around the lot that backed up into the woods. Of all the places to hide out waiting for a potential victim, a rest stop has got to be the worst place. Imagine all the good places being taken. Do serial killers draw straws to decide who gets the public restrooms?
Opening my kitchen drawer, I found the small can of pepper spray I’d been meaning to put into my car console and added it to my luggage.
All I had left to do was figure out some food options for the drive. I openedmy fridge to see what makings I had to scrape together a meager lunch for myself. In all this week, I hadn’t found much time for grocery shopping.Next week I must return to meal prepping.After all, it’s only been six years since I bought all the containers for it. But yes,next week I will change everything about myself to instill that new habit.
Wrapping up my lunch in beeswax paper, I filled my thermos with hot coffee, put fresh water in my large jug, and packed a few snack bags of crackers and grapes in my lunch bag.
Moving on to my closet, I packed a large duffel bag with clothes for the weekend, plus a few supplies for Dolly. I rationed out small baggies of her treats, a large Ziploc of her food, and packed plastic bowls to bring along for the ride. Tossing in the little dog dress I sewed last night, at least my mother would get a laugh from it. The bag was full. We had more than enough in case of emergency, flat tire, or somehow taking a wrong turn and getting lost in a desert that didn’t exist in a 1000-mile radius for a period of 37 days. My mother would be pleased.
Thinking of her, I knew my mother would want to see the outfits she bought Dolly, so I took the little hangers out of her miniature wardrobe and folded the micro clothes into our bag; removing a sweater of my own to make room. The last outfit, a little snowsuit, was so tiny and cute it brought tears to my eyes.
“Dolly, are you just my little sweetie, or what?” I asked her, as she patiently watched in silence.
God sent me this selfless, loving little furry creature to comfort me. I was no longer lonely. I was no longer feeling insecure. She reminded me of God’s unfailing, unconditional love and His never-ending blessings for my life. Dolly being the biggest of late.
And it was then that I realized the Lord did send me love right when I needed it. Just not in the way I thought it would be.
CHAPTER 17
TAKE A PAWS
Igrabbed the bags to make the first trip to the car, when I heard a knock on the door. “That must be our mail.” I announced to Dolly, racing to the front door.
It was Rachel from the front office.
“Good morning!” I greeted her with enthusiasm, I didn't realize I was capable of this early.
“Why, hi there, Katie!” She craned her head to look behind me. “Oh, there she is. Hi sweetie!” She gave a little baby wave to Dolly.
“How are you, Rachel?”
“I’m doing great, thanks for asking! I won’t keep you. I know you are leaving town. I just wanted to hand deliver this note that was left for you anonymously under the lobby door. I can’t even tell you who left it, because the concrete guys accidentally hit our power box at the office, and we've been scrambling ever since to get back online.”
“Oh, how weird.” I was analyzing the envelope like a fine diamond.
“I thought so. I mean how does a truck back up that far on a sidewalk? The good news is they are going to jackhammer out all the concrete that they mistakenly pouredinsidethe building.”
The envelope just saidKatie in #818, which thanks to Rachel’s fine detective work, was my apartment number. I started opening the envelope while Rachel stood there. She seemed just as curious as I did.
