THE LIBRARIAN

EPISODE-3 ASMARA

It had been a few days since the dinner at my brother’s place. Since today was Saturday, I had the day off from the library, so I invited Delilah over for a movie night. It was now 11 am, and I also had to get Rory to the vet for her monthly claw-clipping session. I would do it myself, but she can be quite aggressive, and I think a professional handles it better. The appointment was at 1 pm, so I had to get her cleaned before taking a shower myself. I rinsed the breakfast dishes before getting Rory’s bath ready.

“Aw, who’s a good kitten?” Rory used to hate the water, but since I bathe her regularly now, she’s grown accustomed to it. I actually think she likes it.

“No, Rory—” I was cut off by the ringing of my phone. I quickly wrapped her in a towel and made my way to answer it. It was the vet.

“Hello?”

“Hi ma’am, am I speaking to Miss Asmara?” a woman asked.

“Hi, yes, this is she,” I replied, trying to keep Rory still while she wriggled.

“Ma’am, I’m calling from Pet Care Veterinary Services. I believe you have an appointment for 1 pm today?”

“I do. Is something wrong?” I asked. In the six months I’ve been using their services, they haven’t called once.

“Nothing worrisome, ma’am. Your doctor is out of town today, so your appointment has been rescheduled to 5 pm. You’ll be seen by Dr. Anderson. I hope this isn't an issue?”

“Oh, okay, that's not a problem. I’ll come by around 5. Thank you for letting me know,” I replied, even though I’d have to ask Deli to come a little later—or maybe she’ll just tag along.

“Thank you for your cooperation, ma’am. I’ll see you at 5.”

“Sure, bye-bye,” I said and hung up.

“Rory, baby, why are you so fidgety? You know I can’t let you out yet.” She was wet and would start shivering, but the naughty minx was in the mood to play.

I dried her fur with the drying brush and gave her two quick pats before jumping into the shower myself. Since the appointment was pushed back, I decided to take a bubble bath with some wine and, of course, my book. I love baths; they always relax me. Before dipping in, I filled the tub with warm water and poured some relaxing essential oils and salts. It felt heavenly.

I got out of the bath and changed into a cute cami and booty shorts. After finishing my self-care routine, I decided to fix some lunch. In the living room, I found Rory sprawled out in her spot, snoring.

In the kitchen, I fished some vegetables out of the fridge to peel and boil with sea salt. I prepped another bowl of fresh veggies for a salad, garnishing it with salt, lime juice, and chili oil. Alongside I also toasted my sourdough, coating it generously with garlic butter and topping it with roasted chicken breast. I poured a glass of white wine and set out some chia pudding with fresh fruit for dessert. I always try to maintain a balanced diet; to me, good food is a must, so I prefer to prepare my meals myself. I grabbed Rory’s salmon sticks and dropped them in her bowl on my way out.

Making myself comfortable on the couch, I binge-watched Modern Family for a while, enjoying the quiet afternoon.

I woke up from my nap to the blaring of my alarm. It was 4 pm. I quickly put the dishes in the sink and headed to my room to get ready. I put on dark flared jeans and a dainty white top, applied light makeup, and put on my usual jewelry: my mom’s vintage watch, gold earrings, and a pendant. I spritzed some perfume, grabbed my jacket, and tucked Rory into her cat carrier.

I gave Deli a call. She said she would join us.

“Hey babe,” she answered.

“On my way! I'll be there in five minutes,” she continued, before I even had a chance to ask.

“I’ll see you then,” I laughed and ended the call.

Delilah arrived a few minutes later. I picked up Rory, and we got settled in her car.

“Hi!” I said, getting in.

“Hiee!”

“Aw, hey RoRo! Are you excited to get your nails done?” Delilah laughed, snuggling Rory through the mesh.

“Oh, come on, she’s going to be difficult,” I said, fastening my seatbelt.

We blasted some music and drove to the vet, which was about a fifteen-minute drive from my place.