Page 46 of The Things That Hold Us

“Charlie. I love that name.” the man says, and I don't know why but it makes me super uncomfortable.

“Oh thanks.” I say, keeping it short.

Pudding continues to wag his tail that's still tucked between his legs, and gosh it’s pitiful. I sink down to the ground, assuming he doesn't like the height difference between me and him, until I’m sitting at his level in the grass.

“Do you know what kind of dog he is?” I ask as if it matters. He’s a brown dog that's freaking adorable.

Again, what am I doing?

I show Pudding the treats I grabbed, and he perks up some. He slowly walks over to me and takes one out of my hand,then another, until he slowly makes his way into my lap. I groan under his weight but don't dare move him.

“I think that means he likes you.” the man says, smiling at me.

“This is a good sign?” I ask.

He laughs, “Yes, it is. I’ve never seen him climb into anyone's lap before. He must like you.”

I pet Pudding on his head while he chews on a treat.

“Um. I’m not sure what to do now?” I admit.

I didn't think I’d actually find an animal that liked me.

“Just hang out with him for a bit, get to know each other. I’ll come check on you guys in a minute.”

“Oh, ok. I guess I can do that.”

“Ok.” he laughs again, and I don’t understand why this is so amusing for him.

After the door shuts, I look around, unsure what to do. This dog is just sitting in my lap, not moving.

He’s just sitting.

I pet his head, which he seems to like, then scratch behind his ears.

“I’m assuming you like that, since you're still sitting here.” I say, talking to the dog.

I’m talking to a dog. Is that normal? Probably not.

Finally, he gets up and lays on the ground in front of me. I rub his back, his tail wagging slightly, and we just sit like that for a minute.

“You know, I’ve never liked dogs, but you're kind of okay.” I tell him. His tail wags more and I swear, he smiles at me.

I ramble to the dog for what feels like 20 minutes, then the guy comes back.

“Well? How's it going out here?”

“I think I like him? He’s a good listener.”

His eyebrows pinch in confusion, but he just laughs it off.

“Are you wanting to adopt him?”

I pause, looking at Pudding. Surprisingly, I think I do. Sitting here with him has been almost just as relaxing as a therapy session, just cheaper. I think.

I know I’m probably wrong about that, but I’ll worry about it later.

I nod my head, and smile up at him.

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