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

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cup

of caramel–toffee mocha with an obscene amount

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

collar,” I confirm with a shrug. “Huskies are notorious for running away. I’m sure she’ll wander her way back home when all

scratches are gone.”

by the scent of books and coffee. I don’t think I’ve ever felt peace like I do here, working

Carlos regales me

feeds. He’s been

to find me here, in this last bastion of peace on earth. Which, yes, is a cringe level of

soul.

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Husky (0)

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 napkins and tossing them into the trash. I’m exhausted from the double

of a masochist for

sign on the door to ‘Closed‘ as he counts out the register, his

furry friend is still out

eyes so eerily similar to my own, and I feel a bizarre tug in my chest. I want to take her home, but that doesn’t seem intelligent. I live in a

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with a well–groomed tree popping out

made little headway in trying to clean and organize everything, mainly because I’m taking every shift Mrs. Elkins lets

catchy little jingle as he finishes up with

roll my eyes. “Why would

sneaking her treats all day? She probably

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 spot for animals.