Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

This year's annual Harvest Festival had pumpkin carving contests, hayrides, and a bustling farmers' market. There were people everywhere and it was delightful to see how the event had grown over the years.

I stood in the crowd, watching costumed pets and their festive owners. The laughter, the scent of pumpkin pies, and crisp fallen leaves filled the air always made these moments feel storybook-perfect.

My best friend Lily had outdone herself this year, organizing the pet costume contest with an enthusiasm that was both infectious and relentless. “Sanova, you have to be the judge!” Lily had declared weeks ago, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

How could I refuse? Now, here I was, clipboard in hand, ready to take on my role as the esteemed arbiter of all things cute and cuddly.

As I moved among the contestants, offering words of encouragement and taking notes, my thoughts kept drifting back to Rosario Knight. I had heard he was staying at a rundown motel on the edge of town. His dedication to Comet drew me to him, though his eyes held a darkness, secrets too heavy to share. I had to wonder what they were.

“Next up, we have Mr. Whiskers, dressed as a pirate!” Lily's voice jolted me back to the present. I offered a warm smile to the little girl holding a bewhiskered tabby cat in a tiny pirate hat, complete with an eyepatch and miniature sword. The crowd applauded, and I made a note on my clipboard. Too cute for words.

Just as the contest was nearing its end, I spotted Rosario at the edge of the crowd. Our eyes met, and he subtly gestured for me to come over. Without hesitation, I handed my clipboard to Lily with a quick goodbye hug and made my way toward him.

“Dr. Park,” he greeted me, his voice low and urgent. “I need your help. Comet isn't lookin’ so hot.”

I nodded, my heart quickening. “Let's go,” I said as he led me to his truck.

The drive to the motel was filled with a tense silence. When we arrived, Rosario led me to his room, where Comet lay on a makeshift bed, his breathing shallow and labored. I knelt beside Comet, my trained hands moving with gentle efficiency as I examined him. “I think he's has an infection,” I said, looking up at Rosario. “We need to send him to the ER for hospitalization.”

There was something in his gaze, a vulnerability that tugged at my heart. Slowly, piece by piece, his story began to unravel. “I'm passing through,” he said quietly. “I'm not sure how much longer I can stick around.”

I paused, my eyes meeting his. “ I understand and appreciate you staying to help him. I'm sure he appreciates it too, huh boy?”

Comet let out a weak bark in response.

He nodded, a shadow of a smile playing on his lips. “I didn't expect to find someone like you here, in Evergrove. Someone who cares as much as I do about animals.”

I returned his smile, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. “Animals are my life, always have been. That's how I know Comet will be alright. And so will you. We will figure it out, don't worry.”