Page 50 of The Penalty

She slides her small, chilly hand into mine after we settle into some chairs to wait for the vet to call us in.

“Hey, we’re here now. It’s going to be okay.”

“I hope so.” Her breath catches on the words, and silent tears are streaming down her face again.

I’m not great with sick people, with crying girls. The only emotions allowed in my house growing up were fear and anger. But I’ve got to do something, so I reach over, sliding an arm around her shoulder and dipping down to plant a kiss on her head. I think it’s the right thing to do. She leans into my touch, shoulders giving the occasional shudder.

The vet finally makes her way out to see us, walking right up.

“Cecelia, let’s get these guys into the exam room to see what’s up.”

When I don’t rise from my seat, she grabs my hand, pulling me with her. “Come with me. Please?”

I would never say no to her, so I unfold myself from the uncomfortable waiting room charge and follow the two ladies into the exam room.

As soon as we walk down the sterile hallway, I get anxious, feeling a little lightheaded. I’ve had to deal with my fair share of injuries playing hockey, but I’ve never gotten used to beingin hospital settings. I don’t even remember visiting my mom in the hospital before she passed away. I was too young, or I blocked it from my memory, but it must be imprinted in my memory. That fear of watching someone you love fade away. Not even old enough to understand what was going on.

My breath is coming faster, and I realize I’ve missed out on the entire conversation between Cece and the vet.

Her pets look so helpless, lying there too still and tiny on the stainless-steel table. Why am I even afraid of them? They’re so small, helpless. Granted, they’ve got some weird teeth, but they’re not out to get me. I need to get over that shit.

“Okay, I’m going to run some fluids into them and get them checked out. All signs point to pneumonia, but I’ll do some tests to confirm and start them on a round of antibiotics. It would probably be best to keep them overnight. Then if all goes well, you can take them home in the morning and start administering the rest of the course of antibiotics yourself.”

“Okay.” Cece nods. “Are they going to...” She stumbles over the words.

“You did good bringing them in right away. There’s a high probability they’ll pull through with the correct treatment, but this is the most crucial time.”

I get it, but I hate how doctors have to hedge their words and not make promises. And I really hate seeing Cece on the verge of tears with worry.

“You should probably head home for the night and get some rest. I can call you if there are any changes.”

Cece shakes her head vigorously. “No. I don’t want to go. Can I stay here and wait?”

“You can.”

“Good.”

At least the vet is kind. She’s a young woman with an understanding look in her brown eyes. Her black hair is pulled up in a bun, and she talks in a soothing tone. She reaches a hand out to pat Cece on the shoulder.

I grab Cece’s hand, squeezing it as we make our way back to the waiting room.

“You can go. I’ll call Beau to pick me up when they’re ready to go in the morning.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” I say, but I reach into my pocket to grab my phone. “Just going to give your brother an update.

She nods, dropping her head onto my shoulder.

It rings a few times before Beau’s sleepy voice comes on the line. “Hello.”

“It’s Dev, just wanted to give you an update.”

“How’s Cece?” he asks, sounding a little more alert.

“She’s okay. The guinea pigs probably have pneumonia. The vet’s going to keep them overnight, so we’re going to stay here if that’s okay. I’ll bring your car home in the morning.”

“Yeah, no problem. If you’d rather, I can Uber out there and you can drive my car home. You can pick us up in the morning or we can grab another ride home.”

I know he’s being nice and trying to do the brotherly thing, but it sets my teeth on edge. I’m the one who needs to be herefor her. Comforting her. Even if it isn’t exactly my place. “Nah, I’m good.”

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