Episode 869: Wait For Me

“There you are my darling, Tansy,” the elderly woman in charge of the shelter said. Her name was June and she was one of the nicest people Tansy had met in a long time. “You are exactly on time, and we are so glad to have you on board.”

“I’m glad to be here,” Tansy said, as nervous as she was, she figured it would be nice to spend three afternoons a week plus Saturday mornings focused on caring for the animals and not thinking about other stuff.

“So, how’s your day been?” June asked. “Did you have any fun at school?”

The school day had been as horrible and lonely as usual, she wouldn’t share that though, she just shrugged in reply.

June nodded. “I had many a day at school like that myself. If you ever want to talk about it, you have a safe place with me, sweetie. Now, let’s set you up with some cookies and milk, shall we?”

“Cookies and milk?” Was that a cute code for feeding the animals or something?

“Yes, all my young charges are treated to a quick snack of homemade cookies, it’s something I always did for my kids after school to give their mood a lift, and I enjoy carrying on that tradition with you kids. How do you feel about chocolate chip? That’s on today’s menu.”

“They’re one of my favorites, though I pretty much love any sweets.”

“Well, that’s good news, you’re just like Enid, I suspected you two would get on famously. Come with me, I’ll show you to the lounge. Enid only just arrived a few minutes ago and I believe she intended to wait for you, so you could get to know each other while you eat.”

Enid must have been the girl from the other day, chasing down the wet dog. She’d seemed nice, but… Tansy hadn’t had the best of luck with friends lately. Part of the reason Tansy had wanted to work with animals was because, unlike some people, animals just loved you without question.

“You know,” Tansy said to June, “I’m not really hungry, maybe I’ll just skip the snack and you could show me what work to do instead.”

“Nonsense. Your eyes lit up at chocolate chip, they only lost their appetite when I mentioned you wouldn’t be snacking alone. Enid won’t bite your head off, honey, you have nothing to worry about with her, she’s a very kind girl, I promise.”

Episode 870: Crash Into Me