The Divination

Chapter One - Differences

Chapter One - Differences

~ Anna ~

I took a quick step back away from the busy street as a car zipped past, the horn blasting while it sped by. Now that I think about it, I'm sure the driver was probably flipping me off, too. My attention, however, was solely focused on the dirty, whining dog in my arms.

I frowned as the stray cried, with desperate eyes looking up into mine. I loosened my arms and repositioned him so he was closer to my chest. His front leg twitched and he let out a whine, before letting it go limp. I shook my head, then cringed at the musty smell of his matted fur. "It's alright, buddy. We're going to go find you some help, okay?" I said, hoping that my voice would help to soothe him.

He rested his head into the crook of my elbow, and I let out a small sigh as I turned back toward the way I had come - back towards the vet clinic. Within a few minutes I was walking up to the door, still trying to comfort the stray in my hands.

I pushed my back against the glass door and carried the stray into the waiting room. From behind the front desk I could hear a surprised gasp, and clicking heels making their way over to me. Cindy, the receptionist, came to stand in front of me, and frowned at the stray. She peered at the dog through her black rimmed glasses as she began to pet him softly on his head, and just like every other stray that came through these doors, I knew that she wanted to take care of him.

"Oh, this poor baby!" Cindy exclaimed, rubbing his chin. The dog just stared at her, as he began to shake. "Lets take him to Elas." Cindy said, nodding her head towards me. I nodded back in response, and I followed her down the tiny, familiar hallway that led to the kennels and operating rooms.

I walked into one of the operation rooms, and laid the dog carefully onto the metal table so I wouldn't hurt him. I could hear Cindy's heels clicking off into the distance, and then back again with Dr. Elas in tow. The veterinarian stepped into the room and up to the table beside me, and instantly began to check the dog for any physical issues.

After a few minutes, Dr. Elas turned to me and gave me a small smile. He was an older man, with graying hair and sky blue eyes. One of those types you would expect to see in a commercial about medications, or something. But, because of the fact that he was a veterinarian who had been doing his job incredibly well for more than thirty years, he was a person that I truly looked up to. He was the definition of everything I wanted to be in my career.

"He has a broken paw, some fleas and ticks, and a few scratch marks here and there, but as far as I can tell, he should be fine." Dr. Elas said, turning his attention back to the dog.

I let out a sigh of relief, and felt the tension in my muscles relax. "And the payment for that? Can the donations cover it, or-"

"Don't worry about it." Dr. Elas interrupted, a warm smile on his face as he chuckled. "Let us take care if it. You're an intern, don't go trying to steal our jobs already." He teased, picking up the stray an handing him over to Cindy.

"I know," I responded, rubbing the back of my neck sheepishly. "I just worry." I admitted.

The doctor rolled his eyes as he walked over to the sink, and Cindy smiled at me brightly before carrying the dog out of the room. "I know you do." Dr. Elas replied, catching my attention. "And that's what will make you a good vet. But unless you want to get wrinkles early, I suggest you wait for worrying." I chuckled, leaning against the operating table.

Dr. Elas turned to me, a towel in his hands as he wiped them dry. "How are your classes going?" He questioned, genuinely interested.

I smiled, my fingers tapping against the metal table. "They're fine, as always. It's my sleep that's suffering." I responded, receiving a laugh from Dr. Elas.