Someone Else’s Life(4)

Frito didn’t break eye contact. Annie released a shaky breath. “Don’t tell anyone, but I have to take antianxiety medication. And sleeping pills sometimes. I feel as if I’m losing my mind, like I’m going to lose it at any moment.”

She was amazed at the rush of relief she felt at saying this out loud. She refused to talk to a therapist, but staring into this dog’s soft brown eyes, she realized how tightly wound she’d been ever since Finn’s life had been threatened. There were days when life passed in a blur, the medication making her fuzzy. But without the pills, when those attacks hit, she was convinced she was dying.

Suddenly, a loud shriek split the air, making her jump. Frito sprang off the bench, his attention turned to the noise.

“Come on,” Annie said, wiping the sweat from her brow. “Let’s see what’s going on.”

They walked back in to find a couple, along with their young daughter, standing in front of Pickles’s kennel. Pollie was telling them about the Shelter Dogs on Field Trips program, which allowed visitors to check a dog out for the day, giving the dogs a chance to spend the day outside the shelter. There was always the hope that they would find their forever family while on a field trip, but at least it gave the dogs a chance to be socialized and exercised.

The little girl, who looked to be about six, was jumping up and down as Pickles studied her, his head cocked to the side. “I want to take this dog out.”

Pollie laughed and called to one of the animal-care technicians, “Can you get Pickles ready for a field trip?” She turned back to the family and brought her hands together in a gesture of thanks. “Mahalo for taking him out. I’ll bring you up front to get the paperwork done and get your bag with treats, water, a towel, and poop bags.”

While Pollie took care of the family, Annie put Frito back in his kennel from the outside. The kennels opened from both ends, so people could see the dogs from inside or out. He collapsed on the floor like a sad orphaned seal and her heart tugged. She sat on the cold cement floor of the kennel and he walked over, leaning his weight against her.

They stayed like that until Pollie came back. She looked at them from the door on the outside. “Aw, he likes you. That’s the first time I’ve seen him respond to anyone.”

Annie rubbed Frito’s back. “I think we get each other.”

Pollie grinned. “Maybe you should take him home. As a Valentine’s gift.”

“Oh shit.” Annie slapped her forehead. “Is today Valentine’s Day?”

“Um, yeah.” Pollie snickered. “Did you forget? You’re married, right?”

“Not for long,” Annie muttered under her breath, causing Pollie to grin. “Shit, shit, shit.” So that was what Brody had meant earlier about something “special.”

“Why don’t you adopt Frito? Best present ever.” Pollie looked pleased with herself.

Annie’s eyes widened. “You know what? That’s actually a great idea.” She stared at Frito, and could have sworn his ears perked up. Was it possible this dog was the answer to pulling herself out of the fog she’d been living in?

“I was just kidding.” Pollie’s laughter died and she gaped at Annie.

Annie and Frito looked at each other, and she knew she was taking him home. “I’m adopting Frito. What do I have to do?”

“Wait, you’re serious? Don’t you want to discuss it with your husband first?” Pollie stared at Annie, her mouth open. Her hands pulled at the end of her ponytail.

“No. It will be his Valentine’s surprise.” Annie knew this was the right decision.

“You just have to fill out an application if you’re serious.”

“I am.” Annie stood and brushed off her shorts. “Can I take him home today?”

“Yes.” Pollie gave her a hard look. “If you’re sure?”

“I am. Let’s go fill out the application.” Annie let herself out of the kennel and headed to the front with Pollie trailing after her. Brody would be glad, and Finn would have a friend. Frito would have a family, and maybe he would fill that hole in her heart and she wouldn’t have to self-medicate with pills and wine to go to sleep at night.



While Brody and Finn had been happy about the dog, Frito had ruined the dinner Brody had brought home for Valentine’s Day by getting into the container of Korean kalbi short ribs. Then he’d chewed up Brody’s favorite Mets cap and one of his flip-flops. She’d taken him out of the house this morning before he could chew anything else and make Brody change his mind about adopting a dog. They were now on Kealia Beach, watching the surfers and enjoying the strong breeze that made Annie’s hair dance, cooling her off.

After walking up and down the beach dodging waves for half an hour, they stopped and she sat on a fallen tree branch. Annie watched the waves crash against the shore before the water ebbed back out to the ocean. Her toes dug into the sand, and she took in a lungful of the sweet, humid air. Something about Kauai always filled her with renewed energy. She was hoping some of that energy would hit her soon.

She rubbed Frito on the head and realized he was still covered in the red dirt that was so prevalent in Kauai. She’d have to give him a bath later. But she could see what a healthy coat he had, as black as the marley dance floor she’d had in her studio.