Page 48 of When to Call a Blitz

“You’re trapping skunks, Emmett.”

The second I say the words, the man pouts, and I would almost be annoyed if I didn’t think it was kind of cute. But it also occurs to me that it may only be cute because he’s simply never done this before.

He’s never been so freely emotional around me. Always just stony, even-keeled.

If you had told me weeks ago that I would see this blue-eyed, ginormous-thighed manpoutI would have said you were absolutely insane.

“You’re not going to help me?”

I think about it for a second. “If you ask nicely. Otherwise I’m taking the bath first.”

His lips thin and he stares at me, and just as the air starts to feel charged with something I don’t feel like dissecting, he breaks. “Fine. Please, Heidi. Can you please help me collect the skunks and bring them outside?”

I purse my lips. “I already stink. Why not?”

25

EMMETT

It doesn’t take long to get the skunks into the box. The second the babies decided to explore, the mom followed.

They scurried away without a problem the second we brought them outside, and I really hoped that they’d find a safe space to build a home… or whatever skunks do.

The rest of the night included Heidi and I going through the whole house with cleaner, trying to get rid of the smell anywhere we can. I’ll probably have to call a professional cleaner tomorrow to get rid of the last of it, but it was a start.

After that, we took turns taking baths in a slew of chemicals and when we were finished with that, the two of us waited for Briar to drop Juniper off.

The second she walked through the door she knew she was in trouble.

Her hands were up. “I don’t know where they came from,” she says.

There’s a very large part of me that wants to yell at her. To ground her for life. But I know that does nothing for a kids. It certainly did nothing for me growing up. So instead, I ask her to sit down.

Juniper looks around and sniffs once. “It smells really clean at least.”

I roll my eyes. “Let’s talk.”

Her shoulders slouching, Juniper makes her way to the couch and throws herself onto it. “They’re okay, right?” She’s looking at Heidi.

She nods. “They’re outside safe and sound,” she assures her.

“But it’s going to be winter soon.”

Heidi smiles and gets up from her spot in the recliner, making space for herself next to Juniper on the couch. She folds her legs underneath her, facing my daughter. “Most animals belong outside, Sweetie. Animals that live around here are built for the cold.”

“But what do skunks do?”

Heidi looks at me for assistance, but I’m not sure what she expects me to say. Why in the world I would know that, I have no idea.

“I think they have some sort of hibernation,” she winces, not actually knowing.

“See? You don’t even know,” Juniper accuses, throwing her arms up.

I quickly whip out my phone, looking it up. “Heidi’s right, June. They stay in their dens and sleep for a long time. They don’t hibernate exactly, but they can survive really cold conditions.”

Juniper looks suspicious, like she doesn’t quite believe me. “I hope they’re okay,” she says sadly, hanging her head.

“Hey,” Heidi says, lifting her chin. “I promise you with all my heart they’re okay. But next time there’s some animals you want to help, come ask me first, okay? How long were they there?”

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