Maria:
The clinic feels normal today.
Not quiet exactly. There is always some kind of noise here. A soft whine, a bark that comes out of nowhere, the low hum of the air conditioning that never quite goes unnoticed. But normal in the sense that nothing is asking anything from me. No expectations. No pressure. Just animals that either need help or attention, and both are easier to deal with than people.
I tie my hair back as I move around, double checking a chart I have already checked twice. I am not making mistakes. I am just… slower. Like my thoughts are walking instead of running.
A golden retriever is on the table, looking personally offended that I am touching his paw.
“You are fine,” I tell him, pressing gently around the bandage. “This is all very unnecessary drama.”
Lily laug
