The jingling in his pocket stopped at the suggestion that she might not come back. Cain’s eyes widened a touch and he started to protest, “But I - we -” He gave up when she went on to remind him about notes and vet appointments.
“I know.” It came out somewhat defensively as she’d anticipated. He’d helped to put the pins there, he knew when they would come out. “I’ll take her to work with me Thursday. I guess I'll also take her today.” He explained the already formulated plan as if that made him sound reliable or legitimate to his girlfriend who had decided to leave. he threw in at the end that Daisy wouldn't have an afternoon caretaker in Akiko's absence for the sole purpose of making her feel guilty. You're leaving Daisy too.
He didn’t move out of her way when she approached, forcing her to contend with moving him for herself. However, he didn’t resist when she did easily allowing himself to be moved aside.
“I guess I’ll see you around.” He didn’t know what that meant. He didn't know if he would get to see her or if he was allowed to talk to her. What were the new rules?
The house was silent for only a few seconds after she closed the front door. Muted slams of her car door followed by the blaring of her stereo. This more than the tears of the previous evening signaled to Cain that he’d hurt Akiko. Really hurt her. Swallowing back a lump in his throat, Cain descended the stairs to the sounds of Daisy whining at the door. She hated when Akiko left in the morning, today her whines were more desperate, as if she sensed Akiko wouldn't be coming back that afternoon to play. Cain packed up some toys for Daisy and put her on the leash to bring her to work with him. She could run around in the back for the day. Something would have to be done about her long term, he couldn’t leave her alone for 12 hour shifts continuously, and he couldn’t bring her to work all the time. Today was kind of an emergency. He supposed he'd hire a dog sitter or dog walker.
____
As expected the staff at work were overjoyed but slightly confused to learn that Daisy was spending the day with them. Her picture was on the wall of special cases they’d rescued. She was kind of a star.
“What did we deserve to earn the presence of Daisy today?” One of the receptionists was asking Cain as he rustled around in his locker.
“My girlfriend left me, so I don’t have anyone to let her out in the afternoon or feed her.” The locker closed with a crash, Cain whirled around to find the surprised looks his colleagues who milled about waiting for the 11am shift to being.
Indigo rushed to his side, placing a sympathetic hand on his arm. Her thumb rubbed back and forth over his bicep through his coat. “Ohmygod Cain, really? What happened? Are you okay?”
A chorus of coos and ‘aw man that’s too bad’ sounded from the audience in the room who seemed more rapt for the drama than was appropriate. Cain felt his face flush. His tail twitched behind him.
“She broke up with me and left.” He admitted brushing past Indigo as he left the room. “I’ll find a dog watcher.”
Still feeling emotionally raw, Cain didn’t have much interest in going into the details. He also didn’t feel like explaining the ‘we’re taking a break' part. It was too complicated and none of anyone’s business. He’d been blunt with enough of the truth because he didn’t have the energy to make up some lie as to why Akiko couldn’t let the dog out that day.
The truth would come out eventually. As he’d learned the evening before.
No more lies.
Everyone was especially acquiescent and helpful to Cain that day which only further annoyed him. They tiptoed around him as if he were going to burst into tears at work. He wondered if it was a fun game to them. He wondered if they drew sad cats on the calendar to signify his breakup. He didn’t look because he didn’t really want to know.
“Let’s go out for sushi for lunch, Cain. My treat. I’ll cheer you up!” Indigo promised, her voice melodic and cheerful. The dangle earrings she loved to wear to work, though they were a clear safety hazard for her, swayed with her enthusiasm.
“Sure okay.” Cain agreed, he had no other plans for lunch that day.
Bitch, I'm limited edition.
The following 1 user Likes saronym's post: megs
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