Page 5 of A Bunny for the Bear
Most shifters had the ability to heal themselves easily. If they couldn’t, then there were holistic methods that could be implemented. Humans were a bit trickier. If they mated a shifter, then they’d take on some of the healing abilities.
For those that didn’t have a mate, it was possible they could wind up sick or facing an injury that needed traditional medicine. That’s where the idea for the pharmacy came in.
At least, that’s what I was told when I applied for the position on my first day in town. With my background in holistic care back home, they were eager to bring me on.
“Your total is six dollars and twelve cents,” I told the young man on the other side of the counter.
He smiled as he handed me a ten-dollar bill. I cashed him out, then handed over the cream I’d made to help his wife’s aching feet. She was pregnant with their next litter, and her body wasn’t taking this time all that well.
“I appreciate your help, Mr. Ross,” he told me.
“Just Ross is fine. No need for the fancy stuff.”
His grin told me he appreciated the gesture. While I knew I was somewhat valuable here because of the level of knowledge I’d displayed already, I still felt weird anytime a person treated me that way. I was used to being the lowest of the low in the community. Now that I was not only in a better position, but also respected instead of constantly being harassed, I struggled to keep up mentally and emotionally.
Some days, I wanted to cry at how unfair life had been for me growing up. Other times, I felt like dancing in the street for the freedom I’d gained by coming to this town.
“Well, thanks again, Ross. You’re a blessing from Fate.”
I didn’t know what to say to him, which I think he picked up on when I blushed and ducked my head. Thankfully, he left with just a wave instead of giving me more praise.
Once he was gone, I glanced at the clock to see how much time I had left on shift. There was another half hour before I could gohome, shower, and change into something for tonight’s dinner with Arisha and whomever she invited.
I could admit I’d wondered about who she’d invite a lot over the last few days. Since I’d started my job on Monday, I’d only met a few people. It wasn’t super busy yet, though my boss Mr. Rakk told me he expected to pick up soon. With the baby boom, there were going to be more holistic care needs than ever.
Still, there were plenty of people in town whom I hadn’t come across. Maybe some of the people I met tonight would become my friend. And then we could have set dates like the one today where we got together and hung out.
What if this whole thing was the start to my active social life?
I nearly snorted at the thought. As much as I loved the idea of having a network of friends, I wasn’t much for leaving the house if I didn’t have to. A homebody at heart, it never bothered me to take a seat on the couch and lose myself in a movie or show. Sometimes I’d even grab a book to pass the time if I had the urge.
Thinking of reading, I remembered there was a bookshop close by that I needed to check out. I loved the idea of supporting someone local, and I could also tell I was getting the itch to dive into a story soon.
Or maybe it was some other kind of itch. I couldn’t decipher exactly what my bunny wanted from me.
The job was still new, which could explain the restlessness under my skin. At the same time, there was the town, their kindness, and my own curiosity over it all. That was all a recipe for feeling unsteady.
I shook away the negative energy, then went about working on a couple more orders before the end of my shift. A few things needed to be prepped in advance to ensure I could complete them the next time I came in.
By the time I finished, it was ten minutes past the end of my shift. I clocked out, then rushed out of the front door with a wave to the young clerk who worked the front counter. They weren’t all that interested in starting up a friendship, so I didn’t get caught in a conversation.
I’d somehow reached the age where young adults saw me as ancient and boring already. It was a strange place to be considering it felt like only yesterday I was one of them.
Jogging down the sidewalk, I tried to focus on what I needed to get done.Home. Shower. Change. Home. Shower. Change.
I chanted the three words over and over as I made the short journey to my rental. The two-story duplex came at a great price, as well as an ideal location. Less than five minutes’ walk from work to home was really too good to be true.
There was a note taped to the front door when I arrived. Panic moved through me before I could stop it. Was this an eviction notice? Would I have to start over again so soon? Had I done something wrong?
I opened the front door and went inside. As soon as I locked it behind me, I collapsed against the wood and ripped open the paper. It was nothing like I expected.
Dear Ross,
Sorry to bother you like this, but I’m in a bit of a rush and didn’t have time to swing by thestore. I rented the other side out on a temporary contract. The new guest will be here this week. They booked a two-month stay. I didn’t want you to be startled when you heard banging around on the other side of the wall.
They’re another shifter too, so you’ll be free to live as normal. No curious humans here.
-Mr. Lingrin
