Mason watched her speak to the animal, his expression softening.
She was patient in a way that never felt forced. Even when an animal scratched her, bit her, or made a mess of the treatment room, she didn't respond with irritation. She simply adjusted, tried again, and kept going until she found a way to help.
He remembered the first time he'd seen that side of her, how she'd spoken to a frightened dog as though it understood every word. Back then, he hadn't understood how much of herself she put into caring for things that couldn't tell her what hurt.
And the memory of getting her cats would forever be seated in his life. She was so excited that she cried.
Now, watching her work, he understood a little more.
And it made him miss her even when she was standing right in front of him.
