Page 70 of Roxy's Recovery
Epilogue
Through Roxy’s Eyes
I shivered as I came in through the back door, shaking off the tiny snowflakes from my fur. I hoped this cold would be over soon. I didn’t like being cold.
Other Dad was on the couch, watching the box with the moving pictures, and First Dad sat down next to him. They did the lip thing again, but I didn’t bark this time. If I barked every time they did the lip thing—or the bed thing—I’d be barking all day long. And that would mean no treats for me, and I liked my treats. Especially the peanut butter ones First Dad made. He said they’re healthy enough for Noel, but I don’t believe him. They tasted too yummy to be healthy.
I saw Terror on the back of the couch, eyeing the space between our Dads’ legs, so I quickly jumped up to claim it. That was always going to bemyspot, no matter how many times she tried to take it from me! First Dad liked to call her Angel, but that cat was no angel. She’d already broken too many things in the house and tried to get Noel and me in trouble for it! I don’t like her, but Daddy does, so I’m trying to be nice. First Dad reminded me that I didn’t love Other Dad right away either, but at least Other Dad gave me food. Terror just attacked my tail with her sharp claws and tried to steal my spot.
Best Friend Noel bumped me with her nose before jumping up to lie beside Other Dad. I reached for her and licked her cheek. It always made me happy when she was close, and I didn’t like not knowing where she was. She played with me and kept me safe. I liked her.
Even with Terror looming above us, I felt more content than I had in a very long time. I was happy here, and I knew First Dad was finally happy too, which was all that mattered to me. He still played that annoying squealing thing, but I liked that it made him smile. Anything that made First Dad smile was worth it. Even stupid, mean, white-haired cats.
My eyes drifted closed as soon as the images started moving on the screen. Two different hands landed on my back at the same time, and I heard both Dads chuckle, then another one of those lip things. I sighed and rested my chin on Other Dad’s leg, welcoming his gentle strokes. I would always be thankful he stopped for us and let us stay. He healed First Dad’s heart in a way I couldn’t, and I loved him for that. First Dad gave us a home, and home is where we would stay.
THE END
