Page 160 of Make Me Trust Again
“Usually, working dogs have a vest like this one that Shadow has that will show you that they’re a working dog or a working dog-in-training. When you see dogs like this outside, you shouldn’t pet them or interact with them because it can distract them from what they’re doing. Even if you see a regular dog, you should always ask the owner if they’re okay with you touching them.”
I tell them about the shelter and the work we do in general, as well as training. They all listen intently as I explain it to them, trying my best not to fumble while signing at the same time. It seemed so easy when I was watching Rose and Kyle sign and speak over the last few weeks, but in reality, it’s fucking hard work. And after trying it myself, I admire them even more.
“How about we show you what these two can do?”
A chorus of agreements spreads through the room from the kids, so I lead both dogs in a series of simple exercises and tricks. Every time they complete it, the kids clap loudly. Finally, Kyle’s teacher hands me somebody’s sweater that I asked her to grab from one of the students.
“We’ll be borrowing this for a second here and see if Shadow can find who this belongs to.”
Leaning down, I give Shadow the sweater so she can smell it. After she’s done, she lifts her head.
“Find.”
She moves immediately, slipping through the desks as she sniffs the air. I follow after her in case any of the kids get startled or scared when she stops in front of a girl with a blonde ponytail, who giggles when Shadow sniffs her and barks.
“I think this belongs to you?” I extend my hand and give her the sweater back.
“Thank you.”
“That was an amazing work, Lieutenant,” Mrs. Elliott beams as I return to the front of the class. “Thank you so much for teaching us about working dogs. I’m sure everybody had a great time and learned so much amazing and unique information from what you’ve told us. We’ve had a really great time today.”
“No problem.” I nod just as the bell rings, and I can feel my shoulders relax.
“As always, don’t forget to do your homework,” Mrs. Elliot tells the class as they start gathering their things. “I want y’all to write a few sentences about what was the best thing you learned today from Lieutenant Williams.”
Chairs screech as they get to their feet, the kids’ chatter filling the room and making my ears ring. My gaze darts to Kyle’s seat, but he’s already pushing through his classmates and walking to me, an unreadable expression on his face.
“My signing is that bad?”I joke lamely and rub the back of my neck.
I catch a quick shake of his head before his arms wrap around my waist, squeezing tightly. I suck in a breath, surprised by the open affection. Slowly, I place my hand on his back and give him a soft rub as I wait for him to face me. Finally, he pulls back. Hishead is ducked, but I can still see him rub the back of his hand over his face before looking up.
“You came.”
“You asked me to come.”
“Mom is the only one who always comes.”
It takes me a moment to realize what he’s referring to.
His mom comes, but not his dad.
I crouch down, so we’re at the same level.“If I tell you I’ll come, I’ll be there.”
“You promise?”
A knot forms in my throat, the memories of the last promise I made, but couldn’t keep, coming back to the surface, but I push it back.“I promise.”
“Thank you for coming.”He flashes me a smile.“And your signing is okay.”
“Just okay?”I ruffle his hair slightly.
“I can help teach you. I’m great at signing.”
“I guess there is that.”
Teddy, not wanting to be left out, barks, demanding Kyle’s attention.
“Thank you for coming, too, Teddy. You were the best,” Kyle says as he leans down and scratches the dog between his ears.
