The Here and Now

 Olivia didn't think her hands looked that bad. The right one had swelled at the palm and was badly bruised. Yes, she was lucky, she had on her gloves. It happened so quick when the dog came at her, and just when she thought it was over, the short but stout short-haired mut went for her left hand. And despite so many people trying to help, mostly Tristan, the dog, went for her backpack and tore one of the straps.

Nothing like this had ever happened during her time at the Animal clinic. There were close calls with other people, but not her. It would be insane to think the dog knew something that she didn't.

"Maybe I'm not supposed to work at the zoo," Her words were so sad. Olivia teared up. She sat on the couch while everyone else was making dinner. Tristan thought a shepherd's pie would be good on such a cold night with mashed potatoes.

"Don't talk like that," Tristan came with a mock cocktail to give to her. She managed to hold it. The plastic glass was cold. He reminded her that it might help the pain.

"Are you sure you didn't put any alcohol in this?" She hesitated. She took a sip. The Shirley Temple was good enough without alcohol. However, Olivia wouldn't have minded a little vodka in it. But she wouldn't dare say that.

"We've got two minors, you know, and I don't even remember the last time I even had anything alcoholic." Tristan practically winked at her, and Olivia couldn't help but smile.

He talked about the appointment tomorrow. She would see a doctor for orthopedic surgery. He'd Googled and found the best route there. It might be an all-afternoon affair. The appointment was near a mall he remembered when he was a child; now it was known for its famous food court. He said he would take her there for a late lunch or maybe an early dinner. Tristan seemed certain it would be a celebration.

Olivia felt terrible that he was doing all this for her. Maybe she should have just stayed home and done it all on her own.

His cell rang. It was his mother. He dropped to the couch and sat next to Olivia. Of course, Olivia could hear her from where she was sitting.

"WELL, DID YOU TAKE THAT DOG OUT BACK AND SHOT IT!"

"Ma! You know the owner is paying Olivia's medical bill. It was just a goofy dog. Didn't look like he'd harm a flea. I think his name was Snoopy." His voice calmed her down. "He might have to go to obedience school."

"Oh, this is so awful. Is there anything I can do?" His mother asked.

"I'll let you know," Tristan asked about Dad and everyone. He was on the phone with her a good twenty minutes or so.