Page 1 of Christmas Shelter

Chapter 1

"If it keeps being this cold, we'll end up frozen," Carlota says, rubbing her hands that have gone numb.

Carlota Lozano and her colleague, Vanesa Mateo, have just moved the last dog from the shelter into one of the indoor rooms prepared for when a cold wave or a strong storm, as is the case, is forecast to cross the country. It's Christmas Eve, and around this time at this shelter on the outskirts of Salamanca, temperatures usually hover near freezing, but today the thermometers have plummeted. Storm Graciela is passing through Spain, and the weather predictions aren't particularly good. Heavy snow and hurricane-force winds are expected. Both women volunteer at the Huella Figueroa Animal Shelter, a medium-sized facility that provides refuge to dogs and cats who, unfortunately, are abandoned by their owners. Carlota, a veterinarian by profession, has been coming to the shelter regularly for several years. She's in charge of examining the animals, prescribing medication, and keeping track of them, especially the sick ones, but on days like today, thevet sleeps at the shelter to ensure that those who stay there are well protected.

"We've been really lucky," Vanesa says while closing one of the cages. "The foster homes have had good availability, and almost all the animals are accompanied."

Carlota nods, relieved. Every time a storm is forecast, volunteers have to try to place the animals in foster homes because, despite the shelter being well-insulated against water and cold, some get scared easily, or those who are sick risk being alone for many hours. They don't always manage to get the shelter partners to collaborate, but this time they can say it's gone very well.

"I thought that, given the dates, many would say no," the veterinarian responds while approaching the coffee machine.

"I think there's more awareness now, and most collaborators are willing to help," Vanesa says while sitting at the table and opening a package of cookies.

"Awareness from some," Carlota responds firmly, "because there's still lots of scum who keep abandoning their pets like they're trash."

Both Carlota and Vanesa, who are the most veteran volunteers at the shelter, decided to become volunteers after noticing the number of dogs and cats found in garbage bins, tied to trees, or forgotten in the middle of a mountain without water or food. Neither understands how some human beings can be so despicable.

"Are you sure you want to stay?" Vanesa asks after receiving a cup of coffee with milk. "You know they're safe and calm in here."

"I prefer to stay with them. Melcocha isn't doing well with her heart, besides, nobody's waiting for me at home, and rather than being alone there, I'll stay with them - they keep me warm," Carlota answers, shrugging her shoulders and grabbing five cookies to dunk in her coffee with milk.

Vanesa observes her with a mixture of pity and pride. She's known Carlota for many years and knows what a great woman she is, but she also knows her insecurity from all the teasing she received since she was very young about those extra pounds she's always carried. That doesn't let Carlota be completely happy; she's a beautiful, cheerful, and dedicated woman, but with a veil of sadness that she seems unable to shake off.

"This time I came well-equipped," Carlota continues, "I have my sleeping bag, prepared hot food, a bottle of wine, and my e-reader."

Vanesa smiles openly.

"Hey, have you been able to talk to any girls?" Vanesa suddenly asks, changing the subject.

Carlota's blush rises from her neck until it paints her face almost completely pink.

"No, not yet," she answers in a small voice. "Some have written to me, but I don't know how to interact with them."

Vanesa doesn't say anything, just nods and takes a sip of her hot drink. A while ago, Carlota confessed to her the confusion she'd started to feel about her sexual orientation.She's always dated guys and, although she's had a couple of long relationships, she's never felt completely comfortable with men, always feeling like something was missing, not to mention sex becoming boring after she's done it a couple of times. Seeing that the veterinarian wasn't doing anything to satisfy her curiosity, Vanesa encouraged her to open a profile on one of those dating apps, and after thinking about it for several weeks, Carlota decided to do it, but she feels very insecure about it.

"I don't think I'm cut out for these things, it all seems too forced," Carlota concludes and grabs another cookie from the center of the table.

"It's a bit weird at first," Vanesa offers, who has extensive experience using these apps, "but when you connect with someone who catches your attention, it's very exciting. Just relax," she says and stretches out a hand to hold her friend's, "go at your own pace, I'm sure you'll meet someone soon."

Carlota Lozano sighs. At thirty-six, she feels she's accomplished many things. She graduated with the degree she always dreamed of studying, works at one of the most important veterinary clinics in Castilla y León, is always surrounded by animals that make her very happy, and has seen all of Europe thanks to her numerous trips. But Carlota doesn't know what it feels like to be loved and valued, because although she's dated several men, she hasn't felt that affection that most people say is romantic love from any of them, much less does she feel she's ever truly fallen in love. They say you can't miss what you'venever known, but Carlota yearns to love and be loved in that way described in the hundreds of romance novels she's read throughout her life.

"Well, I'm heading out now, don't want to get caught in the storm," Vanesa says, pulling Carlota from her thoughts. "Call me if you need anything, okay?"

"Yes, don't worry," the veterinarian answers while getting up to walk her friend to the door, "we'll be fine here."

The girls say goodbye with a hug, and as soon as Carlota secures the door, she turns to observe all those little animals who look at her with such affection, grateful that people like her exist to rescue them from that harsh moment of abandonment. The veterinarian smiles because, although she's there without another person for company, she feels like one of the luckiest women on the planet and for a moment, she sets aside those crazy desires she seems to have to know love... the love of a girl.

Chapter 2

Patricia Burnet beams with joy. At last, the clock strikes the end of her shift, marking the beginning of her mini-vacation this December, right before the Christmas holidays.

"You don't waste any time," a coworker teases as she hurries to clear her desk.

"Not a minute," she replies with a smile while shutting down her computer and scanning the veterinary clinic where she works afternoons. During mornings, Patricia rotates through various practices treating animals with cardiac conditions, her specialty.

"Going somewhere?" her colleague Thomas asks with curiosity.

"To Gibraltar," Patricia answers, closing her purse.

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