55 Unexpected Visit (2)
Stephanie left after they finished their lunch and chat. She stopped probing too much and avoided asking more about her feelings. Instead, she asked Mia about her new work and if she was enjoying it. Mia's response did not hide her happiness with her new line of work. Mia even told Stephanie the whole process of grooming the dogs.
Stephanie did not want to interrupt the happy ramblings of her friend which seemed like it would last for a long time. Mia also said that she should get a pet, she would surely enjoy the company. Mia then started talking about different breeds from small, medium and large sized dogs. Comparing them with each other on what is the best kind of breed she should have depending on her lifestyle, honestly, Stephanie was only half-listening to Mia's energetic explanation. Although Stephanie knew that Mia said this out of kindness, she scrunched her eyebrows when she heard she needed company.
Stephanie thought it was for the best that she left the company and moved to a job that she liked. She remembered how Mia likes visiting the zoo during the weekends. She especially enjoyed the rabbit sanctuary where you can pet and feed them, the small figure of Mia while happily feeding the rabbits with pellets and vegetables was so cute.
There was a stray cat in this park that they would feed and pet every time classes ended. She was very fond of that orange pudgy cat, she even cried when one day it did not return in the same spot it usually stayed at. She wanted to take it home and take care of it but her mother did not permit her at the time. She was sullen and out of energy for a couple of days, thinking it was her fault that the cat disappeared.
Stephanie always treated Mia like a younger sister, and so she did not want to be biased with William. She decided to support them equally as her younger siblings. She giggled as she walked away, thinking that she was more of a doting mother rather than an older sister.
Mia went back to the pet shop. Inside, Bert was already in his apron and checking the animals one by one in their cages. Mia did not see Dr. Canes around, "Hello Bert," Mia said with a smile as she greeted him.
"Where's the doctor?" she asked.
"He went out for a bit after he received a call. He told me to handle the customers and to call him if there was something urgent," said Bert as he took a dog from the kennel and combed the coat of a Siberian Husky. It was wagging its tail as if enjoying the grooming that was being given to him.
Mia took out another dog from the cages and used a comb to brush the fur of one of the animals.
They both spend the afternoon tending to the animal's needs. A couple of frequent customers passed by like any normal days.
Dr. Canes did not return to the shop until it was almost closing time at 5. He did not look any different, however, Mia who was observing from the sides could not help but feel something was different from his usual actions.
She wanted to ask what the matter was but decided not to since he was her boss. It might have seemed inappropriate to ask personal questions.
Dr. Canes was still wearing the same amiable smile while saying goodbye to his two employees. The two did the same as they all part their ways once the store was closed-up. Mia could not help herself and use all the courage she could muster, "Doctor if there is something bothering you, you can talk with me."
Dr. Canes made a genuine smile when he heard Mia's sincere words, he patted her head and said, "Thank you, it's nothing much. Some things happened at home but there's no need to worry. Be careful going home," he said as he walked away from the opposite direction from Mia.
Mia touched her head with her hand, it was the first time he patted her head. She watched Dr. Canes disappearing figure before she started to walk home herself.
Original novel by Chuchuwachuwa
