Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

CAITRONIA

Keeping the shelter’s closing to myself, I decide is best for now. Charlie has her own hands full at the moment. She's only been in Grimsby for three weeks. Gram is getting too old, and I hate stressing her out. So I finish up the week by helping get all the animals ready for transport. I'm gonna miss this place. I say goodbye to all the workers and volunteers as I leave for the last time.

Once home, I grab a tub of mint oreo ice cream and fire up my laptop. I narrow them down to my six closest options. This sucks, they are all over sixteen hours away from home.

How do I pick? Tears run down my cheeks. “Ok Cait, you know what to do.” Opening an email, I send the list to Charlie with the message. I’m out of options. There's no residency close. And now the shelter is closed. Help me choose. I attach a list of options and wait.

Once the message is done, I hit send. I know it's just a matter of time before my phone rings, so I have it close at hand.

Just like clockwork, my phone rings and I take a deep breath. If I know her, I’m in for a serious tongue lashing.

“What do you mean, you're out of options? Why didn't you tell me what was going on before now? Damn it, Cait! You know I'd give you the shirt off my back if you needed it.”

“Yes, and that's exactly why I didn't tell you. With your move and your uncle, you didn't need more crap piled on. I was hoping something nearby would open up. So, I just waited. This really sucks. I don't want to leave the eastern states. Everybody I care about is here, but I don't see another option.”

“Yeah, well, it's lucky for you I have another option for you. Come here to Grimsby. My Uncle Henry is dying. There's no way he can reopen the clinic, and people are already getting tired of driving forty-five minutes one way, and paying a higher vet fee just to get their animals taken care of. We'll sign the title to the clinic over to you and it'll be all yours. Besides, didn't you say you wanted to be a shifter doctor? This is your chance. Grimsby is like 99.9% shifters.”

Unable to control my reaction, I practically yell into the phone, “Are you serious? Please don't be fucking me with me right now, girl. But where would I live? Seriously details, girl! I need details.”

“Serious as a heart attack. You know I wouldn't fuck with you about something like this. The clinic is small. It only has three exam rooms and kennels for up to six animals. As for where you would live, Uncle Henry’s house has four bedrooms and only two are being used. You could stay here, of course.

“I will probably have to clear it with the town elders since they only let trusted humans in. From what I've heard, there's a spell that keeps the town hidden from humans who aren't invited in.

“Anyway, I can do that tomorrow after the grand opening of Brewed Awakening.”

“Wait, what? Grand opening? You're finally opening your shop!? Oh damn! I am so proud of you. Well, regardless, I'll start packing whether it's to move there or west. Give me a call after you talk to the council? And I could be there in a week after I wrap everything up here. If that's okay with you and them?”

“Yeah, I'm sorry I forgot to tell you. Between getting the shop up and running and taking care of Uncle Henry at night, I've been super busy. I'll let you know as soon as I have an answer. Talk to you soon, girl.”

Once I tell her goodbye, I collapse into my comfy chair. Am I seriously going to do this? Move to a shifter community and become a doctor/vet? My other option is to move west, away from my friends and family.

There's only one way to decide. Opening up an app on my phone, I make a list of pros and cons of going to Grimsby.