Parrish the Thought by Catherine Leggitt

Author:Catherine Leggitt
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2013-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Heaviness wrapped the house like a thick down sleeping bag—a cumbersome weight that blocked out the light and cocooned us in sadness.

Early the next morning Jesse accompanied me to the clinic to visit Molly. Dr. Sebastian had not called, but we needed to see her.

When we entered the office at seven o’clock, Tiffany turned from the file folders stored in metal bookcases on the wall behind her desk. “Hi.” She raised her eyebrows. “Were we expecting you?”

Hands stuck in his side pockets, Jesse lowered his head.

“No,” I said. “But we are here to see Molly. Is she better today?”

Tiffany readjusted her chunky chain belt. “She looked the same to me when I came in a little while ago.” She attempted to tiptoe around the desk, but her black-and-white Converse sneakers didn’t allow for dainty walking. When she got close, she whispered. “I think Doctor stayed with her all night. I found him sleeping next to her crate.” She paused and eyed us as if waiting for a reaction.

I closed my eyes, sighed, and opened them again. Jesse crossed his arms.

Tiffany continued. “You won’t find a vet like this anywhere else. He really cares about these critters.” When she shook her head, her long obsidian earrings jingled.

Jesse launched his tirade. “He should care—”

I didn’t want him making accusations he couldn’t substantiate, so I interrupted. “What he means is that of course Dr. Sebastian cares. This is his chosen profession. Is he awake now?”

She cocked her head. “Let me go check.” She clomped off in her over-sized sneakers.

Jesse scratched his cheek. “Afraid I’ll make a scene?”

I favored him with a small smile. “Come. Sit. We’ll wait patiently.” I searched my mind for a lighter topic, but couldn’t think of one. However, noticing Tiffany’s belt, earrings, and masculine sneakers reminded me that she hung out with the Goth kids. “I wonder if Tiffany has heard anything about Amanda yet.”

Jesse groaned. “Not that again.”

“Now, Jess. Someone’s got to help that child. She has no one else.”

“But why does that someone have to be you?”

I batted my eyes. “If not me, who?”

He grunted. “You’re going to let your imagination run wild and go off on some dangerous mission where you’ll end up getting hurt. Or worse.”

“Who’s got the out-of-control imagination now?”

He grunted again just as Tiffany clomped down the hall from the back. We stood together as she approached. I grabbed hold of Jesse’s arm.

Tiffany’s tone held a professional lilt. “Doctor will be out in a few minutes. He’s examining Molly right now.”

We didn’t sit, choosing instead to stand where we had a clear view of the hall. Twice, Jesse shifted feet. I tightened my grip on his arm each time.

At last the door opened, and Dr. Sebastian walked toward us, his shoes clicking on the tile. Did I hear them because I held my breath?

His lab coat looked fresh and pressed. I couldn’t read his expression, although he maintained eye contact as he continued down the hall. When he got within the proper speaking distance so he didn’t have to yell, he stopped.

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