Page 107 of Phishing for Love
Before I can ask, the vet tells me, “He’s going to be okay.”
I let out a whimper and sag against Aaron in relief.
“We’ve given Ash activated charcoal to absorb most of the poison,” the vet continues. “We’ve also started IV fluids.”
“What about his kidneys?” Aaron asks, and I’m grateful he’s here to ask the questions my stunned brain is struggling to think of.
“I’ve taken bloodwork to monitor them, but I believe you brought him here in time,” the vet assures us.
“No permanent damage?” I manage to ask.
“If treatment starts within six hours of the cat eating the lily, the prognosis is good.”
He continues to talk, telling us they’ll keep Ash at the clinic for at least forty-eight hours to monitor him, but it seems he’s out of the woods. We can go home.
I’m so exhausted I’m operating on autopilot. I’m only dimly aware of Aaron opening the car door for me, buckling me in before he slides into the driver’s seat.
“You’re crashing from the adrenaline rush,” he says. “Sleep and I’ll wake you when we arrive at your place.”
What I hear is,You’re safe with me, I’ll take care of you.
I do feel safe with him.
Without a second thought, I mumble an exhausted “thank you,” close my eyes, and flake out.
A deep voice brings me out of my stupor. I’m aware of cool air on my skin and a warm hand on my shoulder, shaking me gently. “Tess, wake up. You’re home.”
Wearily, I rub the heels of my hands over my sore eyes and exit the car. Aaron walks me to my front door.
“Thank you for being with me today. If it wasn’t for you...” I can’t say out loud the alternative ending.
He pulls me to him and presses a soft kiss to my temple. “I’m glad I was here for the little guy. And for you.”
That gesture, so tender and sweet, and his words, so weighted with meaning, undo me.
“Before I forget.” He slips into my house and emerges with the box of flyers tucked under his arm. “I’ll take care of this. Get some sleep, okay.”
And he climbs into his car and drives away.
[GROUP CHAT]
Sofia:My Thanos! Is he ok?
Kenzie:Poor kitty.
Tess:I checked in with the vet this morning. Ash is doing well.
Sofia:Nothing can keep him down for long.
Kenzie:How are you doing?
Tess:Shaken but fine.
Kenzie:You should have called us.
Tess:It’s ok. Aaron was with me.
Sofia:Oh.
