Page 91 of Love Unwritten

DAHLIA

So we learned after Lily got kicked in the face.

I knew it was a bad idea to have my family take care of my animals, but they assured me it would be okay.

Guilt makes my heart heavy as I type out my next message.

ME

Fred can check on them instead.

DAHLIA

I knew you’d overreact.

ME

It’s called caring.

Lily and Dahlia are the younger sisters I never had, so I can’t help my reactions sometimes, especially if I’m the one to blame.

DAHLIA

I know, and we love you for it, but relax. Seriously.

DAHLIA

Bacardi is fine. Lily is fine. Everyone is fine.

ME

How is Lily’s face?

DAHLIA

Besides a small bruise on her cheek, she’s all good.

I release a heavy breath and start to type out a message to Fred, a farmer and my closest neighbor, but Dahlia’s next text makes me pause.

DAHLIA

BUT maybe you should hold off on adopting any more animals for a bit.

I laugh to myself.

ME

Too late.

One of the farmers in a neighboring town is struggling to keep up with his animals since his wife died, and I already agreed to foster them while I find them a more permanent home. Julian has begun working on the expansion plans for the barn because he thinks I’ll outgrow the space by next year.

DAHLIA

…

DAHLIA

I pity Ellie. I can’t believe she willingly puts up with nine animals.