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This was a risk. But one I had to take for my girl.
I imagined this was what a drug deal felt like. Except I had a bowl and a baggie of food in my bag.
When the entrance to the park came into view, my heart rate accelerated. It was beyond cold out. No one was crazy enough to be hanging out there, even to walk their dog.
We should’ve come up with a better place. More secluded than this.
Paranoia took over as we crossed the street into the park. I guided us to a bench, paced back and forth a few times before I finally sat.
Ash looked at me with awhat are we doing hereexpression.
“I’m not sure,” I said.
We were early, but I’d been too anxious to wait any longer. Now that I’d exposed us to the elements, I regretted that decision.
The cold cut through my gloves. Ash didn’t seem to notice that it was freezing.
We sat for what felt like an eternity. I checked my phone and it had only been ten minutes since we’d left home.
Ash stared at me. She grew tired of standing and sat at my feet.
I hadn’t told her what we were doing because I didn’t want to get her hopes up. Contrary to what most people thought, dogs could speak some English.
I checked the time again.
Five minutes had passed.
I looked around as my anxiety increased. If he didn’t show, I didn’t know what I was going to do.
Every second felt like a lifetime. I tapped the screen on my phone again. Only another minute had gone by.
Ash stamped her paws.
“I know it’s cold. But let’s just wait a little more.”
He was late.
Maybe Miss Adeline wasn’t as convincing as I thought.
I tried to control the interval with which I tapped the phone screen but failed. Instead I’d increased to twice a minute. Another seven had gone by. Still no sign.
He’s not coming.
I didn’t want to voice that out loud. Didn’t want to disappoint Ash.
“Just another few minutes,” I said quietly through chattering teeth.
She shivered. We couldn’t stay much longer. I wouldn’t risk her already fragile health.
I cupped her face and kissed the top of her head. She nuzzled against me.
“I’m sorry, sweet girl. I thought—”
She leapt up and yanked on the leash, her tail wagging.
In the distance, a familiar form approached.
Tall. Muscular. Long, quick strides.
