Before us...

Chapter Fourteen

After a long weekend away, Lila was back to work. She hadn't been away that long, but the weekend had drained the life from her, and she felt at ease going back to the familiar. Grace had stationed her up front for the day whilst she dealt with the delivery orders for next month allowing Lila the chance to show her how confident and dependable she could be behind the register.

It was a lagging day, the hours moving by so slowly. The rush of morning customers had come and gone before nine o'clock rolled around and now she stood behind the register playing with a very anxious pup who seemed eager to leave the confines of the store. He paid a visit to the back yard not too long ago but seemed keen on getting out again and Lila felt guilty. The poor pup was beginning to feel cooped up and he was constantly trapped indoors these days.

Grace popped her head out from behind the now open door to the back room of the store sending a knowing glance towards Lila as she walked over.

"Why don't you leave for the day, love. Seems like someone's had enough." She chuckles as she stretched down to scratch Zar behind the ears.

"Are you sure? I'm not supposed to get off until closing... Don't you need the help?" Lila asked uncertainly. She did not want to leave Grace in a lurch on such short notice.

"Oh, go on home. I've got this covered and it's nice and empty anyway. I swear if I need help, I'll call you back in. Okay?"

"Okay... if you're sure?" Lila asked uncertainly.

"I'm sure honey." Grace looked at her with affection as she replaced Lila behind the register waving goodbye to her as both Lila and the pup left for the day.

Bag over shoulder and pup in hand, Lila shut the store door behind them as they began to walk slowly down the street. Zar walked ahead his tail swishing behind him as he happily trotted down the path, very happy to be out in the open air. Lila herself felt relief. She had not realised how caged in she had felt until the chilled air had pushed against her as soon as they stepped outside. It was fresh, calming providing a clarity that had been clouded by dim lights and blowing heat in the store. It was as bright as a winter day could be.

The sky was grey and clear, not a single cloud in the sky a deserted street stood in front of them. Lila supposed it could be too cold for people to be walking around town today which led her to the idea that she should take advantage of it. Since she had lived in town she had not once ventured into any of the clothing stores or café's that littered the streets of Saratoga Springs and her wardrobe was severely hating on her for that. Her winter attire consisted of layering up on thin shirts and sweaters as she owned no adequate winter wear that could protect her from the frozen weather. Zar could also use some covering up she felt.

Pulling Zar off his course towards home, Lila led him to the left, through a street that had rows and rows of stores mirroring each other on both sides stretching as far as she could see. From clothing stores to restaurants, the street seemed to have everything. She clocked a pest store towards the end of the opposite street and decided that she would pay a visit there last to get a treat for Zar after all the suffering he was about to endure.

She walked slowly down the street, focusing on the window displays at the front of each store deciding to wander into to a small boutique that was advertising a winter collection that she thought would suit her needs. Praying that Zar would behave himself inside, she anxiously twisted the door handle and pushed the door in. A small bell, louder than Grace's, rang out as she advanced inside and shut the door behind her. Lila exhaled lightly, glad to see that it was empty except for the clerk behind the desk who paid her no attention whatsoever as she began to peruse. He was far too focused on his magazine to look up at the moment.