Page 38 of Hypothetical Heart
She sighs. “I think I need to talk to my dad about it.”
If anyone were to want her there, it would be her dad, but I also don’t think he would want to push her to do something she isn’t comfortable with yet.
“Talk to me about what?” Her dad appears behind us. “What’s going on?” He gives her a suspicious look.
“Um—“ She cuts herself off, collecting her thoughts and straightening her spine. “Would it be okay if I didn’t go with you guys to the cemetery?”
His face falls as if he can feel his daughter’s pain. It’s noteven a question. “Of course, honey. No one is going to be upset with you if you don’t go.”
She nods, her entire body falling from its once tense position in pure relief. “Okay,” she whispers.
I can tell by the way she looks at me she wants me to stay. “I’ll stay with you.”
Winnie swallows harshly, making her entire jaw flex. “Would you?”
“Of course.” I nod.
As expected, everyone understands where Winnie is coming from. They say their goodbyes as they head out the door and again on the porch.
By the time everyone else is out of the driveway and it’s just Winnie and me, she’s already done a circle around the living room, kitchen, and entryway six times—seven if you count the lap we’re currently on.
“Anything else you’d like to do?” I ask, expecting her to say something like get food or watch a movie.
Safe to say, I’m shocked when she tells me, “I want to get a puppy.”
“What?” I ask, trying to gauge if she is serious or if this is some type of emotional response.
“My mom always wanted one, and we never ended up getting one.” She grabs her purse out of the closet near the front door. “I think it would be nice to have.” There’s a determination in her voice that wasn’t there before, and it’s so very Winnie—trying to bring something good out of a hard day.
I don’t question any of the logistics further. Instead, I lead Winnie to my car and drive her to the nearest animalshelter.
Smiling through the pet shop, Winnie walks up and down the aisles littered with puppies in every cage, attempting to make a decision, and it’s not an easy one for a person like her. She’s so kindhearted. She sees puppy after puppy and wants to take home every single one, and if I wasn’t here to be her voice of reason, I think she would.
“Which is your favorite?” She wants my opinion.
I shrug. “It’s not my dog. I think it’s your decision to make, Win.”
She walks up and down the aisles again, scanning every cage for a potential match.
“You’re going to be this dog’s best uncle, so you better decide.”
I cringe.Hard. “I willnotbe this dog’s uncle,” I tell her, pinching her side before resting my hand on her back.
She frowns slightly. “Why not?”
“Winnie, that would make me your hypothetical brother.” The idea of anyone saying we’re like siblings makes me almost vomit in my mouth.
A look of realization washes over her face. “Oh… yeah, you’re right. You’re definitely not that.”
She stops in the middle of the row, cages surrounding us and the sound of puppies barking in the background, looking around like she’s waiting for one of them to jump out at her.
“This is too many options. I need to narrow it down.” She runs her hands through her hair, clearly concerned with the choice she has to make.
“Hey, don’t let this make you so anxious.” I grab her shoulder, trying to pull her out of her head and back into reality. “Which ones are your top contenders?”
Right as I say that, one of the golden retriever puppies jumps up, standing against the glass of the cage, making direct eye contact with Winnie. She looks down at her, seeing the pink bow tied around her neck.
Her eyes light up at the sight of her, and she automatically moves closer to the cage she’s in.
