Page 56 of Happy Harbor
“She didn’t cause the storm, Josie.”
She continued walking. “Get me an estimate as soon as you can, okay?”
* * *
Josie stood on the Riverwalk, staring out over the water. She was restless at home and had decided to take a walk after dinner just to clear her mind.
There was so much about Happy Harbor that was the same as it had always been. Same businesses. Same sounds. Same people. Then there were differences she couldn’t put her finger on, but she felt them.
“Come back here, Finn! You come back here!” She could hear a little girl yelling long before she saw her. She came flying around the corner, her long blond hair blowing in the breeze. She must’ve been about ten years old, and she was very distraught.
“What’s going on?” Josie asked as the girl made her way to the Riverwalk. She was turning her head and looking around.
“I lost my new puppy. I was playing with him in the yard, and then he took off after something. I can’t find him anywhere!” Tears were streaming down her face.
“Take a deep breath, okay? Now, where’s your mom or dad?”
“Mom’s cooking dinner. Dad’s at work.”
“Does your mom know you’re here?”
“No. She’d be so mad if she knew Finn got away from me. I was supposed to have him on a leash, but I wanted him to have freedom to run around.”
Josie smiled. “Sometimes puppies need to learn the rules before they get freedom. The freedom is their reward. Now, where do you live?”
“I can’t go home until I find him! What if he gets hit by a car?”
“Honey, there are very few cars on the street at this hour. I’m sure he’ll turn up.”
“Can you help me find him?”
Josie wanted to go home soon. She was going to eat ice cream and watch ridiculous TV. But she couldn’t leave this little girl standing on the Riverwalk crying.
“Sure. What does he look like?”
“He’s white with brown spots, and he has a red collar.”
“Okay, let’s walk down this way,” Josie said. The little girl reached over and took her hand. It reminded her of Kendra when she was little, and emotion swept over her. She’d want someone to help her daughter in this situation.
They walked up and down the Riverwalk for a few minutes before stopping at one of the benches and sitting down.
“What if I never find Finn?” the little girl asked, tears rolling down her cheeks.
“Then he’ll find you.”
She looked up at Josie. “What do you mean?”
“Finn loves you. You’re his very best friend. He will find you no matter what.”
“He will?”
“Of course! You just have to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and have faith. Can you do that?”
“I think so.” The little girl closed her eyes and sucked in a sharp breath before blowing it out. She sat there quietly for a moment and then opened her eyes, looking around. “I still don’t see him.”
“Rebecca? Where are you? Are you down here? Rebecca!” A woman came out from between the buildings, her face red. She ran toward them. “Oh my gosh! There you are!”
The little girl burst into tears and ran to her mother, hugging her tightly around the waist. “I lost Finn! He’s gone.”
