Page 35 of Finders Keepers

Matt’s voice slithers through my mind: “Always making excuses to be around other men, aren’t you?” I push the thought away, angry at myself for allowing him space in my head.

“Please, Mommy?” Sophie’s eyes are wide and hopeful, her sandwich forgotten.

I hesitate, torn between my daughter’s excitement and my own anxiety. Before I can answer, a figure appears at my side.

“There you all are!”

I jump up from my seat, my heart racing as I flinch. Ms. Lucy stands next to me, her green eyes widening at my reaction.

“Oh, honey, I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you like that.”

Heat rushes to my face as I try to slow my breathing. I catch Gavin watching me.

“It’s okay,” I manage, smoothing my napkin. “I was just… lost in thought.”

Gavin slides over on the bench in front of us, making room for Ms. Lucy. “Join us, Ms. Lucy. We were just finishing up some lunch.”

“Don’t mind if I do.” She settles beside him, her presence easing the tension in my shoulders. “So, what’s the plan for the rest of the afternoon?”

“Dr. Gavin’s said he was gonna show us where the sick animals get better.” Sophie tells her.

His eyes find mine again, warm and patient. “Well, only if it’s okay with your mom.”

“Did he now?” Ms. Lucy’s encouraging smile, and Gavin’s gentle patience all work together to quiet the anxious voice in my head.

“I guess we could take a quick tour,” I say finally.

Gavin stands, gathering our empty plates. “Let me just throw these away, and we can head inside.”

As he walks to the trash can, Ms. Lucy leans in closer to me. “You’re doing amazing, honey. One step at a time.”

I nod, grateful for her understanding.

One step at a time,I remind myself.Just take it one step at a time.

Following Gavin through the glass doors of the clinic, the first thing that hits me is the clean, antiseptic smell—not overwhelming, just fresh and sterile.

He flips on the lights, illuminating the modern space. A curved reception desk dominates the front, its dark wood gleaming under the fluorescent lights. Behind it, I spot rows of organized files and a computer setup.

“This is where the magic begins,” he says, gesturing around. “Though honestly, Sarah at reception is the real magician. She keeps this place running.”

Sophie stays close to my side, her small hand in mine as she takes everything in with wide eyes. A movement catches my attention, an enormous orange cat stretches lazily on top of the reception desk, his fluffy tail swishing back and forth.

“And that’s Jimmy,” Gavin chuckles. “Our unofficial greeter and resident trouble-maker.”

“He’s so fluffy!” Sophie whispers, her grip on my hand loosening slightly.

“Would you like to pet him?” Gavin asks. “He’s very friendly.”

Sophie looks up at me questioningly. I nod, and she approaches the desk slowly. Jimmy rises, stretching again before padding to the edge where Sophie can reach him. His loud purr fills the quiet space as she gently strokes his fur.

“Jimmy here helps calm nervous patients, and their humans,” Ms. Lucy adds with a knowing smile. “Smart cat knows exactly what everyone needs.”

“That he does,” Gavin agrees. “Ready to see where we take care of our patients?”

Sophie reluctantly gives Jimmy a final pat before returning to my side. Gavin leads us through a door behind the reception desk, into a hallway lined with examination rooms.

“We have four exam rooms,” he explains, pointing out each door as we pass. “Each one’s equipped for different types of appointments. Room One’s best for our smaller patients, Two’s got special lighting for detailed examinations, Three’s our largest for bigger dogs, and Four’s where we do most of our dental work.”

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