Tangled

13 Ava: Husky (II)

Carlos‘ words bring me out of my little mini–funk, and I nod. “I need to make as much money as I can before the summer semester. I’m going to need money for tuition, books, miscellaneous fees, and then hopefully a car. Between rent and life necessities, I really need the overtime. I’m lucky Mrs. Elkins is even letting me

work this much.”

He nods, wiping down the counter as I replenish napkins in the dispenser. “She’s got a way about her.

Takes care of us all. Sometimes I wonder if she’s even making money off this place. We sell a lot of coffee, but not so many books.”

He’s not wrong; I’ve thought the same. My shoulders lift in a vague shrug, and I start cleaning off the end tables of newspapers, magazines, and books.

“I have no idea, but I can’t imagine she would run a business just to lose money.” I pause, thinking of the sweet old lady and how she treats every customer who enters her shop like family. “Would she?”

“Wouldn’t put it past her.” Carlos puts together a sinful

14:40 –

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13 Ava: Husky (1)

cup

of caramel–toffee mocha with an obscene amount

toward me with a wink. “Here, just how you like it. Go take a break with that dog out there.

sip of the ultra sweet beverage and sighing in bliss. “No collar,” I confirm with a shrug. “Huskies

scratches are gone.”

meandering sort of way. People ebb and flow in a familiar pattern, and I’m surrounded by the scent of books and coffee. I don’t think I’ve ever felt peace like I do

slow, Carlos regales

media news feeds. He’s been begging me to

this last bastion of peace on earth. Which, yes, is a cringe

soul.

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Husky

and the husky is still there, asleep on the sidewalk in front of our door. It takes little time to wipe down the last of the tables, gathering stray cups and

little bit of a masochist

door to ‘Closed‘ as he counts out the register, his fingers flying faster than I would have ever thought possible when

furry friend is

haze against it. Once again I’m struck by those eyes so eerily similar to my own, and I feel a bizarre tug in my chest. I want to take her home, but

14:40 –

3/6

Husky (1)

with a

think of the boxes everywhere in my apartment. I’ve made little headway

little jingle as he finishes up with the money.

would she be waiting

her treats all day? She probably thinks you’re going home together.”

but laugh. It’s true, She’s been scarfing down bits of muffin and croissant whenever I had a chance to toss them her way. What can I say? I have a soft