Ricky observes Bray interacting with the other pups in silence. Aliana appears to have additional enquiries but opts to withhold them for now. We stay at the park for lunch and several hours afterward until Bray and Muppet exhaust themselves.
Bray promptly approaches me, disregarding his mother’s outstretched arms and raising his own for me to lift him. Ricky compels a smile, yet the pain in her eyes from being sidelined is evident. Before I can encourage Bray to return to his mother, Ricky gestures for me to remain silent and proceeds ahead to the guest house.
I have a slight hurt in my heart as we silently traverse the short distance, contemplating measures to alleviate her distress.
Perhaps grasp her hand, Jimmy proposes.
I swallow hard but quicken my pace until I walk beside her, Bray drowsily nestled in my arms. Summoning all my courage, I touch her hand, causing Ricky to recoil at the sensation of the sparks. My heart nearly halts as I brace for her to reprimand me, but instead, she merely gazes at my hand. I begin to apologise when she unexpectedly takes my hand, intertwining our fingers in a firm grip. Exquisite sparks tingle up my arm, yet I can still sense her hand trembling in mine.
She clenches her lower lip, emitting a little whimper, and grips my hand with considerable strength. She maintains her hold for a few moment before releasing it.
I am unable to. “I apologise,” she articulates, cradling her hand as though it were injured. “I-I am not…” Expletive!She groans, wiping away a few stray tears that have trickled down her cheek. She steels her expression and raises her head. “I-I’m just fatigued,” she murmurs, averting her gaze. “Bring Bray to the room,” she commands as she strides forward again. “He requires a bath.”
At the residence, Ricky prepares a warm bath for Bray, but he implores her to allow him to bathe himself instead. Ricky appears on the verge of tears after being rejected by her son for the second time today, yet she acquiesces to his request.
Will you proceed with it?” She enquires, her voice raspy.”
The slight ache in my heart resurfaces as she gazes at me with her lustrous brown eyes. I feel compelled to reprimand the young child for causing his mother’s distress, yet I recognise his genuine ignorance of the anguish his innocuous request inflicts upon her. I acquiesce, and Ricky presents me with his towel.
“Do not permit him to remain inside for an extended duration,” she states softly. “He will contract a cold.” He enjoys splashing, so be assertive and have him assist in cleaning up any mess he creates. He must understand that his acts have repercussions.
She vanishes down the corridor, leaving me alone with the impudent puppy smirking at me playfully.
He enthusiastically disrobes and enters the bubble-filled tub, seizing a handful of bubbles and tossing them into the air. I expedite his washing so he can relish the bubbles before the water cools. As Ricky cautioned, Bray attempts to splash me repeatedly, but I seize his small hands and position them on his cheeks.
“No more, Bray,” I assert firmly.
Before he can object, I remove the plug from the tub, causing the water to gradually drain, much to Bray’s chagrin.
His teeth clatter as I transport him to the bedroom to dry him. I observe the door and attentively listen for any auditory indications of footsteps. Content that we are solitary, I attire the young child in a set of blue pyjamas.
“I believe your mother is distressed,” I say to him, adjusting his socks over his toes.
He sucks his thumb, his blue and brown eyes flashing at me.
“What is the reason for mother’s sadness?” He enquires, a patient expression in his eyes.
“I believe she longs for home,” I respond.
“Ah,” he exhales. “However, I enjoy my presence in this location.”
I conceal my smile and complete putting on his other sock.
“I also appreciate it,” I exhale. “Could you please give mother a hug on my behalf?” “I inquire.” “It will improve her well-being.”
Bray acknowledges with a nod, leaps off the bed, and sprints down the corridor.
Despite being a puppy, he is really swift, I mutter as I pursue him.
“You are merely out of condition,” Jimmy mocks as I descend the steps around the corner.
I saw Ricky on the couch, with Bray ascending onto her lap and around her neck with his arms. Today, she smiles joyfully for the first time, burying her face in his hair and smelling his fresh scent. She stimulates his sides, prompting an eruption of the most endearing laughter, with Ricky joining in the mirth.
Goddess, could they possess greater beauty?
