“Rescuing animals,” Arthur said, enchanted, “and wanting them to be happy. I’ve never had a pet. They didn’t fit Mother’s idea of a flawless palace.”
“I seem to keep ending up with them. I love kittens in the workshop, or going out for a run with all the dogs, up in the hills or down at the shore, just watching them fall in love with every new experience. They’re fantastic.” Alan tossed him another fish. “I think this’s your bit.”
I think, Arthur thought, I might want that. Not just the puzzle-piece. All of that.
The rush of it, the heat of it, left him wordless.
Fingers resting on the puzzle-piece where Alan’s just had been, his thoughts went on: you rescue baby ferrets and elderly greyhounds. You love your family and you worry about me even though you’re the one covered in bandages.
