Page 91 of Love Unwritten
DAHLIA
So we learned after Lily got kicked in the face.
I knew it was a bad idea to have my family take care of my animals, but they assured me it would be okay.
Guilt makes my heart heavy as I type out my next message.
ME
Fred can check on them instead.
DAHLIA
I knew you’d overreact.
ME
It’s called caring.
Lily and Dahlia are the younger sisters I never had, so I can’t help my reactions sometimes, especially if I’m the one to blame.
DAHLIA
I know, and we love you for it, but relax. Seriously.
DAHLIA
Bacardi is fine. Lily is fine. Everyone is fine.
ME
How is Lily’s face?
DAHLIA
Besides a small bruise on her cheek, she’s all good.
I release a heavy breath and start to type out a message to Fred, a farmer and my closest neighbor, but Dahlia’s next text makes me pause.
DAHLIA
BUT maybe you should hold off on adopting any more animals for a bit.
I laugh to myself.
ME
Too late.
One of the farmers in a neighboring town is struggling to keep up with his animals since his wife died, and I already agreed to foster them while I find them a more permanent home. Julian has begun working on the expansion plans for the barn because he thinks I’ll outgrow the space by next year.
DAHLIA
…
DAHLIA
I pity Ellie. I can’t believe she willingly puts up with nine animals.
