Page 2 of Someday

“Almost eight years.”

Theo’s eyes flick to mine, and I don’t miss the way his jaw clenches as he looks back down at Chief. The silence between us stretches and it’s not a comfortable quiet.

“It’s possible that there’s more to it, but his vitals look only slightly elevated. I’m thinking it could be an allergy to the hay, especially if it’s different than what he’s used to.”

I nod when he lifts the syringe, and he administers it without Chief flinching at all.

“How old is he?”

“Twelve.”

“So, he’s got a lot of good years ahead of him hopefully,” he says.

“Theo, I’m not ready to lose him,” I say, my voice cracking.

I watch him for a long time. The way he handles Chief is efficient and skilled.

“You’re doing what you always wanted to do.” I can’t help my wistful tone.

He glances at me again, his hand on Chief’s mane, the sun casting a glow over Theo’s dark hair and eyes, his cheeks and full lips red from the crisp spring day.

“Yep.” His voice is tight, and his eyes are cold. “Living this boring life in Landmark as a livestock vet, just like I said I would.”

I shiver and pet Chief to steady my nerves.

“How long are you sticking around?” he asks.

I swallow hard before responding. “I plan to stay.”

His eyes widen with his surprise and then his brows shift into a frown.

“I’m so sorry about your dad, Sof,” he says, gentler than before. “I should’ve reached out to tell you that when I heard you’d come back. The funeral was nice. The whole town came out for it.”

I’m touched that he would even consider reaching out to me and surprised he doesn’t ask why I wasn’t at the funeral, but I don’t offer the information, simply nodding.

“Thank you. I was so sad to hear about Granddad,” I say. “Such a loss. Is Grinny doing all right?”

“You should see for yourself. She’d love to see you. She’s sad about Granddad but still going as strong as ever.”

I smile, thinking about his grandparents. Theo’s parents died when we were in kindergarten and his grandparents raised him along with his three brothers and sister. Grinny and Granddad were the grandparents I’d always wanted. Mine didn’t live close to Landmark and my parents weren’t close to their parents, so the visits were few and far between and stilted at best. Grinny and Granddad welcomed me in, made me wish I could live with them too. Half the time, I practically did live over there.

“I didn’t think you’d ever be back,” he says.

And then it’s like he regrets saying it out loud because he’s on to the next thing.

“His breathing is stabilizing. Have you tried soaking the hay or putting a hay steamer in here?” He looks around and I shake my head. “I happen to have one I can bring over. You could try it and see if it makes a difference. And if he’s not standing up and acting more like himself in a few hours, I can run some tests on him, but he seems to be perking up considerably.”

I want to sob, but instead I just keep nodding.

“I should’ve thought of that, but I panicked,” I say, my voice cracking. “Thank you.”

A frown flits over his face again, but he nods. “Of course.” He stands up and points over his shoulder. “I’ll run get that steamer—if that’s what’s going on here, it’d be good to get it started. And I’ll bring back another dose of meds so you’ll have it on hand.”

“Thank you. Really, Theo. I—”

“No problem. Just doing my job,” he cuts in, reminding me that we’re strangers now.

He takes off, and I lean my head back on the stall, my breathing steadying as Chief’s does.

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