All-Nighters by Meredith Taylor

Author:Meredith Taylor [Taylor, Meredith]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2016-07-13T22:00:00+00:00

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Luke rushed over to the vet clinic as the early evening rain was pouring down. The sky was grey with heavy clouds and Luke’s flimsy umbrella was barely withstanding the wind. He saw Jesse as soon as he walked through the door, his eyes puffy and red and his brow furrowed. Luke walked over to Jesse and sat down next to him: “Did you get any news yet?”

Jesse’s voice was breaking as he responded: “They said it looks bad. Something with his stomach. I couldn’t really understand what they were talking about. I asked the vet if he would be okay, and she only told me that we would have to wait and see.”

By the end of his final sentence, Jesse seemed ready to break down in tears again. Luke wiped some raindrops from his coat and sighed heavily. “I’ll stay here with you until they can tell you what’s going on. I know Scampers means a lot to you, and I don’t want you to be alone. Let me go and see if I can find out anything more.”

Luke walked over to the receptionist and explained that Jesse couldn’t take in all of the information yet, he seemed to be in shock, and asked if they could explain to him what was happening with Scampers. The receptionist went through her files on her computer and told Luke that Scampers was in critical condition, that he was being treated intensively and that the vet would be out to update them as soon as she could spare a moment. Luke turned to glance over at Jesse. Jesse was rubbing his hands together, his jaw clenched. Jesse wasn’t wearing a coat over his long-sleeved shirt and must’ve been freezing, Luke thought. Luke walked to the bathroom of the vet clinic and stared at himself in the mirror. He felt so sorry for Jesse. He had seen the bond shared between Jesse and Scampers when they were at his flat. Luke had taken a special liking to the dog as well. Luke had to be there for Jesse. He vaguely remembered that he was supposed to meet the new guy he was flirting with, Martin, later that night, and he took out his phone and typed a text to Martin: Something’s come up. Might be held up until late tonight. Let’s meet tomorrow instead? Luke.

With that, Luke removed his coat and the thick winter pullover sweater he was wearing underneath. He put on his coat again and walked back into the waiting area. Luke handed the grey sweater to Jesse. “Put this on. You must’ve forgotten to grab something warm on your way over here. That shirt can’t possibly be warm enough.”

Jesse took the sweater from Luke and pulled it over his head and shoulders without saying a word. He whispered something resembling a thank you and continued to stare at the wall once the warm pullover was on. Luke sat down next to Jesse again, pulling his coat tight around his shoulders, and they waited together.

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