35. Chapter 35

Chapter thirty-five

T he morning light filters gently through the curtains, casting a soft, golden hue across the room. I wake up to the comforting warmth of Laelia nestled against me, her presence a reassuring anchor in the sea of waking life. Her breathing is calm and rhythmic, a gentle lullaby that soothes the uncertainties of the day. As I stretch carefully, mindful not to disturb her serene rest, my phone buzzes insistently on the nightstand.

In the dim light of dawn, I reach over, my hand fumbling for the phone. The screen glows with the caller ID: it's a call from the vet. I answer, striving to keep my voice hushed and soothing.

"Hello?" I murmur, my voice still heavy with sleep.

"Good morning," a woman's voice responds through the phone. "This is Ellie from Wonder Vets. I wanted to update you on Meatball."

I sit up slowly, careful to avoid waking Laelia. My heart starts to race, a blend of anxious anticipation and hope. I shift slightly, propping myself up on one elbow, my gaze fixed on the serene face of Laelia beside me.

"Oh, thank goodness. How is he?" I ask, my voice a mixture of worry and guarded optimism.

"He's stable now," Ellie assures me. "He was just a bit undernourished. We've administered some fluids, and he's responding well. He’ll need a bit more feeding and care at home to get back to his usual self."

A wave of relief washes over me. I rub my eyes, feeling the tight knot in my chest begin to loosen. The sense of dread that has gripped me since yesterday morning starts to recede, replaced by a cautious optimism. I glance over at Laelia, her eyelashes fluttering as she shifts slightly in her sleep, and I can’t help but smile at how peaceful she looks.

"So, it's just a matter of extra feeding, right?" I confirm, a note of hopeful relief in my voice.

"Exactly. With the right care, he should make a full recovery. You can come by to pick him up whenever it suits you."

"Thank you so much, Ellie," I say, my voice trembling slightly with gratitude. "I’ll come by this morning."

"You're welcome," Ellie replies warmly. "See you soon."

After I end the call, I turn my gaze towards Laelia, who remains nestled against the pillow. The soft morning light bathes her in a gentle glow, accentuating the serene beauty of her sleeping form. Her hair, splayed across the pillow, catches the light, creating a halo of golden strands that frame her face. I take a moment to admire her, my heart swelling with affection. As I lean in closer, I place a tender kiss on her forehead. The warmth of my lips against her skin stirs her gently from sleep. She stirs, her eyes fluttering open, and a soft, drowsy smile spreads across her face as she meets my gaze.

“Good morning, beautiful,” I whisper, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “I’ve got some great news.”

She blinks at me sleepily, her eyes still heavy with sleep. “What’s that?”

“Meatball is ready to come home,” I say, my voice brimming with excitement. “Everything went well with his check-up. The vet says he’s in great shape, just needs to be fed a bit extra for the next few days to build up his strength.”

Her eyes light up with a sleepy smile. “That’s wonderful news! I’ve missed him so much.”

“I know, me too,” I reply, gently rubbing her arm. “I’ll go pick him up and get him settled in. You can stay here and enjoy a little more rest. I’ll make sure to get everything sorted for him and take care of the feeding.”

“Thank you,” she murmurs, already starting to drift back towards sleep. “You’re the best. I love you.”

I chuckle softly, brushing a final kiss to her forehead. “I love you too. Now get some more rest, and I’ll be back soon with our little fur-ball.”

As I arrive at Wonder Vets, the clinic’s exterior immediately sets a welcoming tone. The building features large, inviting windows framed by bright, colourful planters overflowing with blooming flowers. The sign above the door is adorned with a playful, cartoon illustration of a joyful dog and cat, their faces radiating warmth and friendliness. The doorbell jingles cheerfully as I step inside, instantly greeted by the fresh, clean scent of antiseptic mixed with a faint hint of lavender.

The reception area is impeccably maintained, with soft, pastel-coloured walls that create a soothing atmosphere. Comfortable, upholstered chairs are arranged in a semi-circle around low tables, which are topped with an assortment of pet magazines, brochures about animal health, and informational pamphlets. The ambient music playing in the background is gentle and calming, enhancing the serene environment.

At the reception desk, a friendly receptionist with a bright smile looks up from her computer as I approach. Her desk is neatly organised, with a few personal touches like a small potted plant and a framed photo of a playful dog.

“Good morning! How can I help you?” she asks, her tone warm and welcoming.

“I’m here to pick up Meatball,” I respond, returning her smile.

She swiftly types Meatball’s information into her computer, her fingers dancing over the keyboard with practised efficiency. After a moment, she looks up and nods. “Everything is ready. Dr. Reynolds will be with you shortly.”

I take a seat in one of the plush chairs, noting the cosy ambience of the waiting area. The walls are decorated with framed photos of happy pets and heartfelt thank-you notes from grateful pet owners. As I wait, a few staff members pass by, each offering friendly nods and cheerful greetings. Their genuine interactions with the pet owners and their animals reflect the clinic’s commitment to compassionate care.

After a short wait, Dr. Reynolds, a warm and attentive veterinarian, appears. She wears a crisp white coat over a casual, comfortable outfit and has glasses perched on her nose. Her kind eyes and reassuring smile instantly put me at ease. She carries Meatball’s carrier with gentle care, the soft fabric of the carrier lined with a cosy blanket.

“I’m pleased to say that Meatball is doing very well,” Dr. Reynolds says, her voice a comforting blend of professionalism and kindness. “He’s recovered nicely from his infection. He will need some extra feedings for the next few days to build up his strength, but other than that, he should be back to his usual self in no time.”

I feel a surge of relief and gratitude. “Thank you so much, Dr. Reynolds. I really appreciate all the care you’ve given him.”

“It’s our pleasure,” she replies, handing me the carrier with a warm smile. “I’ve included detailed feeding instructions in the packet. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call us.”

With a final thank you, I carefully take the carrier and feel Meatball’s comforting purrs vibrating softly through the fabric. The weight of the carrier is reassuring, a tangible reminder that he’s on his way home. As I leave Wonder Vets, I can’t help but feel a renewed sense of happiness, eager to bring Meatball back to Laelia.

As I pull into the driveway, the familiar sight of home brings a sense of comfort. The sun is high, casting a warm, golden light that bathes the house and yard in a soft glow. I carefully gather the carrier from the passenger seat and walk up to the front door, the gentle breeze rustling the leaves around me. Unlocking the door, I step inside, greeted by the comforting scent of our home, a mix of lavender from a diffuser and the faint aroma of coffee.

I set the carrier down on the entryway rug and unfasten the door, allowing Meatball to step out at his own pace. He emerges cautiously, his usually lively eyes looking a bit subdued and his steps hesitant. His fur is slightly ruffled from the journey, and he sniffs around the room with a mix of curiosity and caution. I notice how his whiskers twitch and his little nose quivers as he explores the familiar but still unsettling environment.

At that moment, Laelia’s footsteps become audible as she descends the stairs, her face lighting up with joy and relief when she sees me. Her eyes sparkle with affection as she rushes down the stairs, her movement graceful yet eager. “Meatball!” she calls out, her voice full of warmth and longing.

She reaches the bottom of the stairs and kneels on the floor, spreading her arms wide in a welcoming gesture. But Meatball, clearly feeling overwhelmed and irritable from his visit to the vet, gives her a fleeting glance before darting past her and retreating under the couch. He disappears from view with a swift, nervous motion, his tail flicking as he vanishes into the shadows.

Laelia’s expression crumples with disappointment and confusion. She sits back on her heels, her eyes welling up with concern. “Oh no, he’s not coming to me. Did I do something wrong?” she asks, her voice tinged with hurt.

I move closer and kneel beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s not you, beautiful. He’s probably just feeling a bit grumpy from his time at the vets. It’s been a stressful day for him, and he might need some time to adjust. Animals can get overwhelmed and need a bit of space.”

She nods slowly, her gaze fixed on the dark space under the couch where Meatball has taken refuge. “I just wanted to hold him and make him feel better,” she says softly, her voice breaking slightly.

“I know,” I reply gently. “He’ll come around. He’s just had a long, tiring time. Let’s give him a little time to settle. He’ll remember how much you love him, and he’ll come out when he feels more comfortable.”

We sit quietly for a moment, the only sounds being the gentle hum of the house and the soft rustle of Meatball adjusting under the couch. Gradually, I catch glimpses of his bright eyes peeking out from the shadows, his curiosity slowly overcoming his anxiety. Laelia’s sadness begins to ebb away as she gazes at him with a tender, understanding smile.

“I guess I’ll just wait for him to come to me,” she says, her voice filled with patience and hope. “I just hope he feels better soon.”

“He will,” I reassure her. “He’s home now, and that’s what matters. We just need to be patient and let him find his way back to his usual self.”

Laelia nods, her eyes never leaving the spot where Meatball hides. We settle into the comforting routine of being back home, the warmth of our surroundings gradually helping to soothe both Laelia and Meatball.