Jack mutely thanked the nurse as well and soon the two were out in the city again, walking back towards their apartment. His hands were settled against his sides, unsure of what to do with them.
Talk.
“S-so I guess… that. That’s not something we’ll have to worry about then, huh?” he asked quietly. “Is it a relief…?”
“Y-Yeah..” she whispered, passing store fronts of bakeries and clothing stores, watching the people as they walked about, even seeing a hobo on the street trying to keep warm.
She knew it wasn’t much but she walked over to him and gave him her scarf and hat, hoping he would be warm. She would have given her jacket but she doubted it would have fit him.
Tiny barks distracted her as she looked up, seeing a pet store nearby. A pet. Katelynn had always wanted a dog. Jack had said he got Roxy from the pound, didn’t he? That someone in his family worked there.
Giving the homeless man a smile, she walked back over to Jack and said, “I think..I want a dog..”
Jack watched her give the homeless man her hat and scarf.
He oddly didn’t think of anything.
Then she returned, and said something about a dog. Was she replacing a baby with a dog? Was that it? A dog would be easier to look after make no mistake. Yet his heart gave a painful beat again. You’re not a father. You may never be one. Get used to that feeling of disappointment. You should be used to it by now.
“A dog?” he asked quietly. “That sounds like a wonderful idea,” Jack smiles faintly. “Our house allows pets, and you might be good with someone for company when I’m not around. But it would have to be a small breed, l-like Roxy is. The apartment isn’t built for big dogs…” he takes her hand into his, beginning to lead her down the street, grateful of the touch.
“Maybe we could visit the shelter my uncle works at, where I got Roxy?”
Jack Maple 