Dear Rosie, (Love Letters #2)

I don’t want to be a killer.

I can’t be responsible for hurting an innocent.

I never wanted to cause anyone pain.

My tears turn to sobs.

I never wanted to hurt anyone.

Charles purrs, and the vibrations rattle against my ribs.

“It’s okay,” I whisper.

The doors open into the parking garage, and I rush out of the elevator, almost crashing into a man waiting to get on.

“S-sorry.” My voice cracks.

He says something. Maybe yelling at me. Maybe asking if I’m okay.

But I can’t make his words out over my pounding heart.

Four minutes.

All I need to get through is four more minutes.

Four more minutes, and we’ll be somewhere that can help Charles.

I try to jog, but the jolt of pain that shoots up my leg almost makes me scream.

I choke on a breath.

If I injure my ankle further, then I won’t be able to get Charles to the vet.

And waiting for an Uber would take too long.

I keep my steps as steady as possible and finally make it to the van.

Charles stays relaxed in my arms, and when I guide him onto the front seat, he goes willingly.

It takes some effort to get myself in, but when I get in and slam the door, I’m grateful that my right foot—my driving foot—isn’t the one throbbing with pain.

“Hang on, buddy,” I tell Charles as I shift into reverse and start backing out of the parking spot. “We’ll be there soon.”

ONE HUNDRED TWELVE

NATE

I don’t recognize the number calling, but since it’s from back home, I excuse myself from the table and answer. “Hello?”

“Hi, this is Lindsay from the Oak Tree Animal Clinic. Are you the owner of a cat named Charles?”

My fucking heart stops. “Yes.” I have to press my hand to my chest. “What’s happened?”

“He’s totally okay.” She immediately reassures me.

“Fuck me.” My body sags in fucking relief, and I nearly collapse. “I think I need a defibrillator.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to alarm you.” She’s apologizing, but I swear I hear her trying not to laugh. “We just wanted to verify some information since the woman who brought Charles in didn’t know anything about him. And we need to know what vet to call for his records.”