Page 59 of The Things That Hold Us

I check my phone and see that it's after 8 p.m now.

“Oh my god! Pudding!” I yell.

“Huh?” Cassie asks, confused.

“Pudding is at home in his cage. He needs to be walked and fed. I completely forgot about him with everything going on.”

“Pudding is…?”

“My dog.” I say, then add, “I’m going to have to eat and go. I can't leave him in there all night.”

“First, when did you get a dog? Second, I’ll call you a taxi. I don't want you walking by yourself at night.”

“Ok. Thank you. And I got him yesterday. It was a sad impulsive moment, don't ask.”

I hop in the taxi, and we are almost to my apartment, when we pass my shop.

I see Logan inside, filling boxes with things.

“Stop the car!” I snap. “Oh, sorry. I’m sorry I didn't mean to yell. But could you let me out here?”

“Sure thing miss.” the taxi guy says.

I jump out, and walk over to my store, standing there a minute watching him.

He’s covered in soot and sweat, and looks completely exhausted.

“Have you been here all night?” I ask him, making him jump.

A giggle escapes me.

“Shit Charlie, you scared me.” he says and laughs, then adds, “Yeah, once I was in here I saw a bunch of stuff that looked like it could be salvaged, and didn’t want to leave it here overnight. Why are you out here?”

I wave a hand in the direction of Cassie's place, “I was on my way home when I saw you in here, so I stopped.”

He nods his head, and looks around, then back at me.

“I just couldn't leave it how it was. Not after knowing..” he trails off.

I look down at my feet, kicking a loose rock on the sidewalk.

“Thank you, for this.” I say.

“You don't have to thank me. It was the decent thing to do.” he says, looking up at me.

I nod my head, “Come on, it’s late. This can wait till tomorrow.”

He nods in agreement, then sets some things down.

“First let me load these boxes into my truck, and I can bring them to your apartment for you. It’s supposed to rain tonight.”

“Your truck?”

“Yeah, I dont drive it much, but figured I’d need it for boxes and stuff.”

“Oh. Ok. Here let me help.” I walk in and start grabbing some boxes.

He managed to save a lot of stuff, which helps me feel a little better.

---