The House by the River by Sharyn Gale

Author:Sharyn Gale [Gale, Sharyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-06-28T22:00:00+00:00

TWENTY

Warm ribbons of sunlight fell across my arm. I sat up, disoriented, and reached for Biff who lay still next to me. I pressed my hand to his chest — a beat, then another, a steady rhythm. I cupped my hand in front of his nose for reassurance and felt his warm breath against my palm. His eyes opened slowly, a child emerging from the fog of sleep. Then I felt the dry-damp lap of his tongue across my fingers. I kissed his head, and he nuzzled his face against mine. “It’s okay, big boy,” I whispered. “We’re going to make it.”

I turned to my sister still asleep curled up in Charlie’s swivel chair. I touched her shoulder. She startled awake. “What, Danny? Biff?”

“He’s coming back, Eve. I think he’s going to pull through.”

She struggled out of the chair and reached for Biff’s face. His eyes opened wide. His lips pulled back, the beginning of a smile. Honestly. “Hello, beautiful. We’re here, and by the looks of it, so are you.” She planted a kiss on his muzzle, and his tail thumped against the stainless steel tabletop.

Charlie ambled in soon after. “Well, well. I see something mighty good before my eyes.” Biff lifted his head and licked Charlie’s hand. “Welcome back, Mr. Biff.” He pulled out his stethoscope and listened to Biff’s heart. “Not quite out of the woods yet. I need to keep the meds flowing through the IV, keep him here throughout the day and one more night. Julianne’s here tonight. He’ll be in good hands. I’ll check every few hours, make sure he can get up, take a little water. Don’t expect he’ll bounce back right away. Poisoning takes its toll, you know.”

Poisoning? The word rang so loudly I barely heard the rest of what Charlie said. “We’ll stay a while longer, if that’s all right, Charlie. We don’t want Biff to experience any more stress, especially the stress of our leaving him alone.”

“Understood. See you in a little while. Other animals to attend to.”

Eve left to shower and change. She returned within the hour with coffee, scones, and pears. I realized I hadn’t eaten since lunch the afternoon before in Boston with Beth. It seemed like weeks ago.

Julianne brought in a cup of ice chips for Biff. “Doctor said go slow, see if he’ll take one at a time, but not to worry if he doesn’t. He’s getting plenty of fluids through the IV. It may take a while for his system to recover.”

“Thanks, Julianne. I’ll give it a try.” I held an ice chip by his mouth. His nose twitched assessing the offering, but his interest waned, and so I set the cup aside.

“I’ll bring back more in a few hours,” said Julianne, backing out the door. “Biff’s a lucky boy. I wish all our pet owners cared as much as you. That’s why he’s better, you know. It’s this transfer of positive energy. It’s all about love. I see it all the time, with dogs and cats.

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