Page 67 of Ghost Of You
We stand there for a long moment, holding each other in the quiet of the house. Outside, the sun begins to set, casting long shadows across the room, but in Laelia’s arms, I find a glimmer of hope—a belief that, despite everything, we’ll face whatever comes next together.
Finally, I pull back, my eyes searching hers. “I love you,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “And I’m sorry for shouting. My emotions got the better of me today.”
She smiles gently, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. “I love you, Killian and I was screaming at you the other week for God knows what. So, let’s forget about it and let’s just hope our little fur ball is okay tomorrow.”
As the evening settles around us, we sit together on the couch, our hands intertwined, waiting for news from the vet. The uncertainty is still there, but with Laelia by my side, it feels a little more bearable. And as we wait, I realise that no matter what happens, we’ll face it together—just as we always have.
Chapter thirty-five
The morning light filters gently through the curtains, casting a soft, golden hue across the room. I wake up to the comforting warmth of Laelia nestled against me, her presence a reassuring anchor in the sea of waking life. Her breathing is calm and rhythmic, a gentle lullaby that soothes the uncertainties of the day. As I stretch carefully, mindful not to disturb her serene rest, my phone buzzes insistently on the nightstand.
In the dim light of dawn, I reach over, my hand fumbling for the phone. The screen glows with the caller ID: it's a call from the vet. I answer, striving to keep my voice hushed and soothing.
"Hello?" I murmur, my voice still heavy with sleep.
"Good morning," a woman's voice responds through the phone. "This is Ellie from Wonder Vets. I wanted to update you on Meatball."
I sit up slowly, careful to avoid waking Laelia. My heart starts to race, a blend of anxious anticipation and hope. I shift slightly, propping myself up on one elbow, my gaze fixed on the serene face of Laelia beside me.
"Oh, thank goodness. How is he?" I ask, my voice a mixture of worry and guarded optimism.
"He's stable now," Ellie assures me. "He was just a bit undernourished. We've administered some fluids, and he's responding well. He’ll need a bit more feeding and care at home to get back to his usual self."
A wave of relief washes over me. I rub my eyes, feeling the tight knot in my chest begin to loosen. The sense of dread that has gripped me since yesterday morning starts to recede, replaced by a cautious optimism. I glance over at Laelia, her eyelashes fluttering as she shifts slightly in her sleep, and I can’t help but smile at how peaceful she looks.
"So, it's just a matter of extra feeding, right?" I confirm, a note of hopeful relief in my voice.
"Exactly. With the right care, he should make a full recovery. You can come by to pick him up whenever it suits you."
"Thank you so much, Ellie," I say, my voice trembling slightly with gratitude. "I’ll come by this morning."
"You're welcome," Ellie replies warmly. "See you soon."
After I end the call, I turn my gaze towards Laelia, who remains nestled against the pillow. The soft morning light bathes her in a gentle glow, accentuating the serene beauty of her sleeping form. Her hair, splayed across the pillow, catches the light, creating a halo of golden strands that frame her face. I take a moment to admire her, my heart swelling with affection. As I lean in closer, I place a tender kiss on her forehead. The warmth of my lips against her skin stirs her gently from sleep. She stirs, her eyes fluttering open, and a soft, drowsy smile spreads across her face as she meets my gaze.
“Good morning, beautiful,” I whisper, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “I’ve got some great news.”
She blinks at me sleepily, her eyes still heavy with sleep. “What’s that?”
“Meatball is ready to come home,” I say, my voice brimming with excitement. “Everything went well with his check-up. The vet says he’s in great shape, just needs to be fed a bit extra for the next few days to build up his strength.”
Her eyes light up with a sleepy smile. “That’s wonderful news! I’ve missed him so much.”
“I know, me too,” I reply, gently rubbing her arm. “I’ll go pick him up and get him settled in. You can stay here and enjoy a little more rest. I’ll make sure to get everything sorted for him and take care of the feeding.”
“Thank you,” she murmurs, already starting to drift back towards sleep. “You’re the best. I love you.”
I chuckle softly, brushing a final kiss to her forehead. “I love you too. Now get some more rest, and I’ll be back soon with our little fur-ball.”
As I arrive at Wonder Vets, the clinic’s exterior immediately sets a welcoming tone. The building features large, inviting windows framed by bright, colourful planters overflowing with blooming flowers. The sign above the door is adorned with a playful, cartoon illustration of a joyful dog and cat, their faces radiating warmth and friendliness. The doorbell jingles cheerfully as I step inside, instantly greeted by the fresh, clean scent of antiseptic mixed with a faint hint of lavender.
The reception area is impeccably maintained, with soft, pastel-coloured walls that create a soothing atmosphere. Comfortable, upholstered chairs are arranged in a semi-circle around low tables, which are topped with an assortment of pet magazines, brochures about animal health, and informational pamphlets.The ambient music playing in the background is gentle and calming, enhancing the serene environment.
At the reception desk, a friendly receptionist with a bright smile looks up from her computer as I approach. Her desk is neatly organised, with a few personal touches like a small potted plant and a framed photo of a playful dog.
“Good morning! How can I help you?” she asks, her tone warm and welcoming.
“I’m here to pick up Meatball,” I respond, returning her smile.