Page 38 of My Small Town Silver Fox Billionaire

I realize that she is totally focused on this small bird’s needs. This kindness and fervor to help is another side of Sara I haven’t seen before, and is one that entrances me.

Chapter thirteen

Sara

I push the bird’s body a little bit, narrowly avoiding the wing. When I get it onto the sand, I work to prop it upright.

The bird attempts to fly but then can’t. It half-trots around along the shore.

“You won’t be flying on that anytime soon, little buddy.”

“Sara, can you do something about this?” Robert asks.

I look over at him. He doesn’t get it, but I suppose I’ll tell him later, once the dust settles.

“Yes, I can,” I reply. “He’s got a bad wing, so if we brace it, he’ll be able to rest it a little bit. It’ll reduce the pain. Do you have anything I can use as a brace?”

He looks around, shaking his head. “No, but I may have something in the house.”

“Would you get it for me, please?”

He stands there for a moment, but I clutch the bird a little bit tighter. I know animals that get hurt like this don’t have many to help them, which is why I need to.

“I’ll see what I can find,” he says as he quickly moves inside. I call my thanks but it is already too late as I see the door close behind him.

As I gently stroke the bird’s back, it doesn’t bite or try to fuss but instead lets out a cooing sound.

“Yeah, you were almost a goner there, weren’t you?”

He was practically drowning in the water when I caught up to him. His wing is fluttering weakly, and his legs are attempting to move, but are weak as well. I look at the area to see if this was an accident or if he got hit with something.

I see a small bruise that looks like it was made from a fight with another animal. Assessing his underside, I find a few scratches on his body.

At least it doesn’t seem man-made. Maybe it flew into a tree or a rock. We’ll never know.

About ten minutes pass, and I keep the bird close. Where is Robert? My eyes scan around, wondering if there are any other options here. I don’t know what types of animal care or sanctuaries they have out here.

A couple more minutes pass before I see the door open. Robert walks out with some athletic tape and a splint for a finger in his hands.

“I don’t have much, but this could work, right?”

He hands it to me and I nod. “Yes. We just need to give this little guy some help. Is there an animal sanctuary on the island?”

He purses his lips and whistles. “I’m not sure.”

“Would you see if you can find out? I’ll handle dressing the wound,” I explain.

I gently grab the bird’s wing. It flaps around wildly, but I shush it, helping it calm down.

“It’ll be okay,” I assure the animal. I know what it’s like for animals to be afraid. Some of the seniors that I take care of at the animal sanctuary struggle when they get hurt. We treat theirhealth issues and wounds unless they’re terminal and there’s nothing we can do.

I’ve seen my fair share of animals hurt. It breaks my heart, but knowing that I’m here and able to help this sweet bird, does warm my heart.

I gently grab the wing and place the brace next to it. The bird jerks around, but I keep it in place, the same way I did with a robin that flew into a tree and broke his leg a while back.

“It’s okay, little buddy. I want you to relax,” I gently assure him.

The bird flaps around a few more times before I manage to get the last of the brace wrapped in place. As it stands there, I grab the tape.

---