1
Kori
Most girls my age are getting married and settling down, but that’s not how life is panning out for me. Even the older women in our small town ask, “When are you going to find a nice man and settle down?” I just smile and say, “When the right one comes along.”
I’m not picky, but the few dates I have been on, the guys just aren’t what I’m looking for. One was thirty-three and living in his mom’s house. Now that wouldn’t really be a problem, except he bragged about how she packed his lunch, did his laundry, and even made his bed. He wasn’t for me.
The next guy a friend set me up with, yeah. That was even worse, he was a macho man, over muscled, and liked a different kind of juice than I would have for breakfast. And, yes, he told me this.
I quit going on dates after those disastrous ones, figuring my life was destined to continue on its path. I’m happy, really, I am. Well that’s what I tell myself. The dog shelter I run keeps me busy and happy. Add into that the high schoolers that come to volunteer and receive hours for their scholarships, there is never a dull moment. It’s close to Christmas and that seems to be when we’re at our max capacity with displaced dogs.
My heart breaks, some of the animals we keep are getting older in years and it takes way too long for them to be adopted out.
That’s why I’m planning on doing a huge Christmas adoption party. We’ll have it broadcasted on the local news channel, our Facebook page, and even have flyers put up all -over town.
“Hey Kori, I have the lights you asked me to get,” Colton, one of my volunteers tells me.
“Thank you, can you put them on the counter? I’m going to put them up when we close for the day.”
“Sure, uh. Are you going to need help putting them up?” he asks. He’s tall and still growing into a young man. He’s actually one of my better volunteers, never questions what I ask him to do, and even shows the new kids the ropes. When he finishes up the hours he needs for his scholarship, I’m going to ask him to work part time. There are only two other part time employees, and I know I’ll need more help, as more animals come in each and every day.
I shrug my shoulders and say, “No, I’ve done it the past couple of years. Especially since Dad retired.”
That’s how I inherited the shelter — my dad was the best there ever was. He volunteered for everything he could, then when he got older, he decided he was ready to spread his wings and do something for himself. Now, he and mom are out RV’ing all over the country.
“If you need help, my uncle and I can come help you,” he offers.
“That’s sweet of you to offer. I may take you up on it,” I tell him and we both return to work. Him adding photos into our website’s database and me, well, I venture to the kennels. I’m thankful every day to have a job that doesn’t really feel like a job, but boy does my heart ache for the animals. I’d take them all home if my apartment complex would let me.
I puff out an air of breath and go towards Max, our newest addition. He came in filthy and was so skinny you could count his ribs, now he’s been here for a few months. Max is healthy, his coat is a glistening chocolate color that ties well with his main breed of a Labrador. He’s the happiest dog you could ever meet, and I know when he finds a home, I’ll be the one in the corner crying of happiness and sadness.
“Hey Max,” I say as I go to his kennel, hook him on his leash, and then we head towards the yard for him to roam.
2
Nathan
I walk into my sister, Melanie’s, house, my stomach is already grumbling with the smell of roast beef, carrots, and potatoes.
“Hey Sis,” I say, making my way into the kitchen.
“Nathan, what a surprise,” she comes up to me, coming in for a hug.
“Yeah, I finished a job up early. Figured I’d come see how you and Colton were doing. You two need anything?” I ask her. She’s a single mom, not by choice either. She thought she found her mister right, turns out she found mister right now with Colton’s dad.
“We’re okay, I swear it. I’d love if you’d stay for dinner. Colton should be home anytime now, he’s helping Kori out at the shelter today,” Melanie tells me, with a sparkle in her eye.
“That’s great and yeah, I’ll stay. What do you need help with?” I ask her.