𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 | 𝟏𝟖 +

𝐄 𝐈 𝐆 𝐇 𝐓

Dakota

It was late afternoon at the shelter, and I'd spent most of my time helping out with Cooper and the other dogs. Bento was an older golden retriever who had been at the shelter for longer than I'd like to admit. He was gentle and loved a good belly rub, always leaning against my leg like a big, lovable teddy bear. The other dogs weren't as calm, but their energy always lifted my spirits. They were jumping around, barking excitedly, and pawing at the gates, each hoping for a bit of attention. Being here with them, surrounded by their warmth and excitement, always felt like an escape from the rest of the world, especially the rigid world of law offices and ruthless bosses.

After a while, I decided to make my way to the medical room, where the little black kitten I'd brought in yesterday was recovering. I'd been worrying about the little guy since I'd dropped him off, but the vet had assured me they'd take good care of him. I pushed open the door quietly, not wanting to disturb any of the recovering animals.

The vet, a kind older man with a gentle smile, looked up when he saw me. "Hey, Dakota. Here to check on your little friend?"

"Yes." I replied, stepping closer to the tiny black ball of fur, who was curled up in a small bed with an IV drip attached. "How's he doing?"

"He's going to be fine." the vet reassured me. "We've got him on antibiotics for the infection in his eyes and a nutrient drip to help with his weight. He's a little fighter, this one."

I let out a sigh of relief, my shoulders loosening. "Thank goodness. I was so worried about him."

The kitten looked up at me with one half-open eye, still weak but undeniably better than yesterday. I reached out and gently scratched his tiny head, smiling when he gave a faint little purr. Thinking back to Ms. Beaumont's horrified reaction to him, I couldn't help but chuckle. I'd never seen her look so appalled in my life. It was almost endearing in a way, realizing that the indomitable Ms. Beaumont, known for making seasoned lawyers tremble, could be so uncomfortable around a little kitten. Clearly, cats weren't her thing.

After spending a few more minutes with the kitten, I made my way back to the front desk, where Matthew, the shelter's manager, was busy sorting through adoption forms.

"Hey, Jake."  I called out, catching his attention. "I just wanted to let you know I won't be able to come in the next three days. I'm going to be swamped with work at the office."

He looked up and waved me off with a smile. "No worries, Dakota. You've been helping out so much already. Besides, you should enjoy the experience, interning at a top law firm doesn't happen every day."

I grinned, feeling a small burst of pride. "Thanks, Jake. I'll miss these guys, though."

"They'll miss you, too." he chuckled, motioning to Cooper, who had made himself comfortable beside my leg, his big brown eyes watching me intently. I gave Cooper one last pat, wished everyone a good night, and finally made my way out to my car.

The sky was just beginning to darken, the last light of day casting a soft glow over the city as I slid into my white Porsche 911. I was about halfway home when I realized I had an overwhelming craving for a Red Bull. I'd been thinking about it all morning, and I knew I'd regret it if I didn't stop and grab one. I spotted a supermarket along my route and decided to make a quick detour.

Inside the store, I headed straight for the fridges at the back, trying to stay focused as I weaved through the aisles. Grabbing the familiar blue and silver can, I started making my way toward the register. But as I turned the corner of an aisle, I collided head-on with something, someone, rather solid.

The impact sent me sprawling backward, landing unceremoniously on the ground with an embarrassed "Ouchie." Clutching my forehead where I'd hit it, I blinked in surprise, my cheeks burning.

A cold, familiar voice cut through my mortification. "Ouchie?"

My head snapped up, and I found myself looking directly into the cool, sculpted features of Ms. Beaumont. Her piercing eyes were fixed on me with a raised eyebrow, an expression of barely restrained amusement flickering in her gaze. I suddenly realized I'd managed to bump my head right into her... cleavage. The horror set in, and my cheeks felt like they were on fire.

"Oh, Ms. Beaumont! I... I didn't see you there." I stammered, scrambling to my feet as fast as I could. I hastily picked up my can of Red Bull from the floor, clutching it tightly like some sort of lifeline.

She regarded me with that same raised eyebrow, looking entirely unfazed by my babbling. Her gaze flicked to the can in my hand, and she gave a slight, disapproving hum. "Red Bull, Dakota? I'd expect better choices. You're aware it's terrible for your health, aren't you?"

I stared down at the can in my hand, feeling the weight of her judgment as if I were holding something far worse than an energy drink. "Um... yes, Ms. Beaumont." I mumbled, casting an almost apologetic glance down at the offending can. "But... I really like it."

She watched me for another moment, her lips curving into the faintest of smirks. "Very well." she said, her tone laced with dry amusement. "Just don't let it become a habit. I'd hate to see my intern collapse from caffeine overdose."

With that, she turned on her heel and strode away, leaving me standing there in the middle of the aisle, thoroughly embarrassed yet somehow oddly comforted by her brief moment of amusement. It was rare to see her in any setting outside the office, and it was even rarer to see her in such an... almost human moment.

I sighed, watching her retreating figure. "Guess she's not wrong." I muttered to myself, glancing down at the Red Bull in my hand. But even as I thought about tossing it, I couldn't bring myself to let it go. Some habits, after all, are hard to break.

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~ R