Page 27 of Undone

You really think he looks like a Walker?

Dorian

Absolutely. Got that kind of serious vibe, you know?

He stretched out on his side, chewing at the edge of the blanket.

Me

Hmm, I don’t know. I think he’s got a bit more mischief in him than serious.

Dorian

Mischief, huh? Could be a sign you two are a perfect match.

I smiled at that. Maybe he was right. The dog might be exactly what I needed in my life right now.

Me

Ha, funny. *eye roll*

Dorian

I’ll let you decide, but my vote’s on Walker.

He now nestled against my leg, his head resting lightly on my knee. He looked so peaceful, and it seemed like we were starting to build some rapport. I reached down and gently scratched behind his ear, earning a soft, contented sigh from him.

“What do you think, buddy? How does Walker sound?”

He lifted his head slightly at the sound of my voice, his ears perking up as if he understood. He gave a content whine, then nuzzled closer to my side, his tail giving a small thump against the couch. It wasn’t exactly a verbal answer, but it was close enough.

ME

Yeah, I think Walker it is.

The thought of Walker, all alone just a few hours ago, now curling up beside me, brought a strange feeling of peace.

It was a connection, simple and uncomplicated. Something that didn’t carry the weight of my past or the noise in my head. I hadn’t realized how much I needed it—how much I needed him—until I wasn’t alone anymore.

NINE

Dorian - April

DAZED & CONFUSED - RUEL

The usual clatterof the clinic echoed around me. Dogs barking, and a low murmur of voices in the waiting room. I thumbed through the pile of papers, most of it routine—vaccine schedules, intake forms, lab reports.

Everything was as it should be. Normal. Boring, even.

But even as I tried to focus on the task at hand, there was only one thing I could think about.

Noah.

My mind had been consumed with her lately, whether I wanted it to be or not. Awake or asleep, she was there. I dreamed of her, what her laugh would sound like when I was lucky enough to hear it, the way her skin would feel under my fingertips. The way she’d taste if I ever got close enough.

She hovered in the back of my mind, refusing to be ignored. It had been months since I’d last seen her. But no amount of time seemed to lessen the grip she had on my thoughts.

The sharp buzz of my phone against the countertop jolted me out of my thoughts. My heart stuttered, hope flaring even though I knew better.

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