AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It scared me,” I admit. “Watching it happen to you.”
“I’m OK, though. Everything’s fine.” She smiles and this time it’s open and very obviously meant to reassure me.
“You’re not stupid,” I say, focusing on the path the cloth takes across her skin, watching the flush follow it. I feel exposed, having this conversation in front of her parents, even though neither of us are saying anything radically vulnerable. It feels like having my shirt off again, like letting her rub sunscreen in my back.
“Sometimes I just feel like all I do is...”
“Fall out of trees and cut your hand gardening?”
She snorts.
“Good thing you’re friends with a former firefighter slash EMT.”
“Good thing,” she says softly.
“Jesse.” Lulu’s mom places a hand on Lulu’s shoulder. “You’re staying for dinner.”
“That’s alright, Dr. Banks, I—”
“It’s Abigail,” she says. “And you’re staying. First you fixed our garden. Then you saved our daughter’s life.”
“Mom.”
I check Lulu’s expression to see if she really wants me to stay. “Stay,” she says.
“I’d love to, Abigail. What are we having?”
“Lentil loaf,” she says, and turns away to start dinner.
“Great,” I say, my voice wooden.
“Don’t worry,” Lulu whispers. “Her lentil loaf isn’t as dry as it used to be.”
The sun is low in the sky. Insects chirrup and leaves sway in a gentle breeze as Lulu walks me out to the truck.
“Thanks again.” Lulu pulls the sleeves of her dad’s cardigan, one she snagged off the back of his chair, over her hands.
I’m drained. Between spending the day in the sun, physical exertion, emotional exhaustion, and socializing, I could sleep for days.
“I’m really grateful you were here. I think my parents were considering calling a helicopter for an air evacuation. You witnessed their aggro coddling.” She sounds embarrassed. I wish she wouldn’t be. “I meant what I said before: you’re really good at taking care of people. Keeping a cool head in a tense situation.”
The rational side of my brain knows that not only is she complimenting me, she’s right. A cool head is one of the most important qualities an emergency services worker can have, but the compliment doesn’t sit right on my skin. It’s like old sweat, something I want to slough off as fast as possible. I used to be able to say a quiet thank-you and move on. But looking at Lulu, sometimes it’s like staring at the sun; she’s so bright. It could blind me.
“I’d better get going.” I hook my thumb over my shoulder.
She moves closer, takes a shuddering breath. “Just...thank you. You’ve been really kind, and generous with your time and...”
“Don’t worry about it, Lulu,” I say. “Friends help friends, right?”
Her hand is warm on my arm, where she squeezes. “You’re a good friend.”
I scratch the back of my neck. George probably wouldn’t agree with her but it’s nice to hear nonetheless. “K. Well.”
“Wait,” she shouts, even though there’s only a foot of space between us. “Sorry.” She takes a deep breath. “Hey, I have a question. The study organized a group activity next week. At an animal shelter. Maybe if we can’t make friends with people, we can make friends with animals.”
She hasn’t asked a question yet.
“So, you’ll come, then?”
