Page 6 of Red

“I guess.” My patience with her approach is evaporating and I say, “Maybe it wouldn’t seem so drastic if you stayed in touch beyond sending an occasionalTikTok.”

She rapidly sits up. “The apartment lease is up in December. I’ll extend with your sublet.”

“Thought you didn’t plan ahead,” I point out with venom spewing from my lips. I know we’re both acting petty right now, but I’m too sensitive to be a bigger person.

“I might’ve just started.”

“I see. That’s totally fine. I’ll have Greg pick up the rest of my stuff.”

Without adding anything, she hangs up.

I can’t believe her!

We’ve survived a fucking global pandemic, quarantining together as practically strangers back then, and this shit is what brings us down?

Well, not gonna cry about it!

Then why am I bawling my eyes out?

Suddenly, a movement behind the window catches the corner of my eye, and I immediately jump off the couch to examine what’s outside.

My heart is pounding in my chest like crazy at the sheer possibility of me finally catching my stalker in the act. In broad daylight!

Instead, I notice the most majestic dog I’ve ever seen, sitting peacefully by the orchard. Large, black with a long, thick coating, pointed ears and fluffy tail.

Or is it a wolf?

I’ve never had a dog. No animals allowed in our Chicago apartment complex. Before, when I lived in my family house, I remember begging for one each year for my birthday. But my mom isn’t exactly a pet person and Greg, my stepdad, couldn’t be more whipped. My biological father is unknown… Don’t get me even started with my daddy issues, though! Greg raised me since I was four years old and I’ll always consider him my parent. Anyway, I can’t really blame Mom. She got attacked by a dog around my age and was left with a huge bite mark scar in the crook where her neck meets the shoulder. It’s pretty bad from what I’ve seen, although she covers it neatly even during the hottest days of summer. Understandably, she doesn’t like to talk about it, so I don’t know the full story.

Maybe it’s not the brightest, but I walk out through the front door to get a closer look.

“Hey, you!” I greet.

The animal slowly approaches me, sniffing. I quickly conclude it’s a male and an intact one. Much more massive than I’ve imagined from a distance, he’s pure muscle with powerful paws and sharp claws. He doesn’t have any collar on yet doesn’t seem feral. Quite the opposite—he’s surprisingly calm and gentle. Though, there’s a certain wildness about him. I wouldn’t say he looks like someone’s pet.

His eyes are bright yellowy amber, almost gold in color, and seem highly intelligent… very human. Like I could stare right into his soul.

I know I’m pretty small, being only 5’2”, but he stands taller than my waistline at the withers. Leaning against my legs, he lets me pet himself. His fur is luxurious to touch, silky and shiny.

“You are probably thirsty… Come.”

He follows me to the porch, and I leave himthere for a moment as I roam the kitchen and fill a cereal bowl with water for him. He might be hungry too, but I barely have any food left. I was supposed to go shopping today, and now I have even more reason to.

He drinks enthusiastically and it pleases me how well-behaved he is. I need to check him for a chip before I make any snap decisions here.

“I should take you to the vet.”

I swear he throws a fit at that, as if he could understand my words.

I shake my head with a giggle while I move back inside to put some warmer clothes on before heading out to town.

“Okay, if he waits, he stays,” I tell myself once I’m already starting my car, giving him a final glance.

He’s still on my porch when I come back after a few hours. And I’m relieved to see him. He can have rabies for all I know. But faith can be funnysometimes. I literallyjustdecided to adopt a dog and now I already have one.

I let him inside and he moves to the kitchen after me.

When I’m done unpacking all the groceries, I put a bowl of kibble in front of him.

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