a little thing called love

 It was a hell of a week. Maybe it had been a whole month since Carmen had started at the hospital. She knew what she was in for, but this was a long journey into the night. She felt lost. Taking notes, being guided by doctors who didn't give a shit about nurses. It was the worst time of her life. Carmen didn't think that could be possible. Why in the world did she ever sign up for something so misguided? Maybe it wasn't. Maybe she was just telling herself this, but she felt she was doing nothing right. It wasn't like what she'd learned in class. How could this be? She couldn't even make Justin understand. All she could do was yawn every time he spoke. She just needs sleep. It felt endless.

And then she found him on the side of the road. She couldn't help but swoop him up in her arms and take him right to the vet. He didn't have a chip. It looked as if he was left for her. She named him Blue right away. They said he was a terrier, but she knew differently. She knew what Justin would think the moment he laid eyes on him.

"He's a pitbull." 

"So, what does that have to do with him? He needs me." Yes, she'd give up everything for Blue if she had to. She couldn't help it. It was love at first sight. Carmen wept with Blue in her arms until Justin said Yes.

She guessed he loved her after all. He wasn't sure how the other dog would be with this outsider, but thankfully, they cuddled together like old friends.

"See, it was meant to be," Carmen smiled weakly. Had she found the dog she'd always wanted?

Justin only sighed and warmed up some chili fries topped with melted cheese. It was the best meal she'd ever eaten, or so it seemed in this long bout of her new life at the hospital. She downed a cold beer with it and couldn't hardly wait to fall asleep.

"You're the most stubborn woman I've ever known," she thought she heard him say. "But the bravest one, too. I wouldn't be who I am without you."

She laughed and gave him a kiss on the cheek and turned away from him with another yawn. "I always wanted my own dog."

"But you've got me," he leaned in and whispered. 

"You're not a dog," Carmen said with a giggle. She knew she couldn't make him understand. She came from a family where dogs were only for the outside. Not one who could be a companion. It was something she'd yearned for since she was a kid. And Blue was the one, after all.