Her Letter To The Altar

Chapter 46

I feel more alive than I ever have before.

I was looking for a new experience to shape, which is why I went to the bazaar. And I saw her—my Ely. We found each other. She was the experience I was searching for.

She tucked herself into the corner when I carefully laid her down on the shotgun seat. She was still a bit shy and awkward. It was at that moment I realized that she really did stink. Where did the couple make her stay or sleep? It was as though she had been kept in a pigsty, given the pungent smell that made me cough multiple times. She was resting her chin on her paws, staring at me.

I didn't mind getting my car seat dirty. I smiled as I petted her gently, which made her close her tiny eyes before I drove away from the city. My left hand was on the steering wheel, while the other was stroking her fur. The feeling of being brushed softly must have been so heavenly for her, as she began dozing off, her eyes fighting to stay awake until she finally slumbered, leaving a huge sigh of contentment. When I arrived at the sanctuary, I loosened my seatbelt, then took a moment to watch her peacefully sleeping with her teeny-weeny eyes and gentle breathing.

"Baby?" I whispered, so softly that I wasn't sure she heard it. I knelt in front of her, listening to her serene breaths. I really felt guilty waking her up, but I had to. Since I had no idea what happened to her before, we needed to see the vet to check her health, to give her a warm bath, and get food recommendations.

Ely felt my presence. She glanced at me but quickly looked away. Oh, she's still in her period of shyness. Yet, she made sure to let me know she trusted me by snuggling herself closer. She just needed some time. I couldn't wait to see how energetic and wild she would be soon, but for now, we were still getting to know each other.

"This will be quick, and we'll be home after. Come, Ely,"

Now I sounded like a mother.

She raised her paw at me, and it was the cutest thing I had ever seen. Oh, my gosh. I could scream with happiness and squish her right now, but I didn't, though it was tempting. But still, I didn't. This feeling can wait, Maya. What she needed right now was that motherly spirit inside of me. I could still play with her, probably next week when she's a bit older.

Gerard told me that Ely was still a 3-months old Maltese puppy. He didn't fully bathe her because she might not be able to handle the coldness despite the warm water. While waiting for the diagnosis, I went to find some clothes for her at the pet shop. The sanctuary was not solely owned by me; of course, I was the founder.

Yet, when I announced it during my appearance on the television talk show for the release of my latest sculpture anthology, zoophilists invested in the home I built for stray dogs and cats. This was why it was under renovation last month. All of us could not contain our happiness when the dogs and cats finally had their own small cottages. Sometimes, veterinarians would just visit them in their houses for checkups, as well as the staff for their meals. We also planted trees years ago; some of them were already sprouting and growing. Birds came to perch on the branches.

I had to admit that it was still surreal picking clothes that weren't for me, but I was grinning the whole time. I walked down the hallway until I saw a very cute Hello Kitty pink sleeveless shirt. I slid my card along with the pink set of collar, bowl, and leash.

"I am now a... mother," I whispered to myself.

I sat on the couch as I ate my lunch—two pieces of pancakes with blueberries on top and berry jam. Plus, a lemon tea on the side table. I watched her sleep on my Lovesac, and what was more adorable was that she was too small for it. I was thinking of buying her a tinier one, so she could sleep beside me when I admire the outside world through my window with the curtains flung open. Or I could cradle her; both were good choices.