Crossing Boundaries

The Shelter

"Wait, Miss Sorenson. You'll need to wear this." Mr. Blackbourne gave her a small flesh coloured earpiece and a minute microphone to clip to her collar. "We can communicate through this."

As Sang inserted the earpiece, Mr. Blackbourne went on giving her instructions, "all we'll be doing for the time being is getting to know the place thoroughly and getting to know the people who work inside. Don't wander off without letting me know."

"Is that all?" Surely there should be more involved than just getting to know the place.

"Yes, Miss Sorenson, for the time being. Once we get a layout of the shelter, Kota and Luke will wire the place tonight."

"The first step to espionage, Miss Sorenson, is to watch and observe."

Sang and Mr. Blackbourne approached the doors and walked in. They were greeted by noises of dogs barking and people milling around the waiting room and the reception area.

Mr. Blackbourne walked up to the receptionist and flashed her a bright smile, something Sang had never seen him do.

After reading her name of her tag, he said, "Ms. Greaves, we are two of the volunteers scheduled to work today. Mr. Blackbourne and Miss Sorenson."

Ms. Greaves studied them closely and opened up a file on her computer, she scrutinized the screen for a few minutes and said, "Ah yes, you are scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4. Is that right?"

"Yes, that's right. We are very excited, it's Sang's first time working with animals and she is thinking of adopting as well."

"Oh, is that so? That would be lovely, we have some new puppies and kittens that I'm sure your girlfriend would be interested in."

"Oh, I'm not..." but just before Sang could finish her sentence, Mr. Blackbourne grabbed her hand and proudly said, "yes, Sang is very excited, aren't you sweetie?"

Not this again, thought Sang. But she just kept quiet and nodded with a smile. Why does everybody assume that she has a boyfriend; honestly you'd think that girls couldn't just be friends with boys anymore without them being a couple.

"Now, I'll give you these name tags and you can go through those double doors. You'll see someone by the supply room, Mr. Hornet, he'll see to getting you some aprons and cleaning supplies. Let's see," Ms. Greaves was checking her computer screen once more, "you'll be starting with cleaning the dog cages. Mr. Hornet will give you a tour and get you started."

Mr. Blackbourne nodded and taking Sang's hands, led her through the double doors. There seemed to be a lot of people around, both visitors and staff. When they got to the supply room, there was a man standing there talking to a volunteer; that must be Mr. Hornet.

"Ah, two more volunteers, how nice. You've come on a good day; we have an open day tomorrow, so there are lots of preparations going on for that. We could always use more hands, Mr. Blackbourne and Miss Sorenson," exclaimed Mr. Hornet, reading their nametags. He shook their hands and gave them each a map of the shelter.

"Here, you'll be needing these. It's a big place so you don't want to be getting lost. Come let's get you kitted with an apron."

Mr. Hornet gave them aprons and buckets each with a brush and other cleaning supplies. Sang glanced at Mr. Blackbourne in an apron and nearly burst out laughing, she never expected to see him in this kind of attire or doing this kind of work in a million years. Mr. Blackbourne gave her a wry smile and slightly shook his head. They followed Mr. Hornet out of the supply room.