front windows of the usually cheery front room. Shelby was pretty sure Theo would still be awake. He would certainly answer his phone, but he would think it was the vet and that might upset him more. She wondered if they should just show up instead. She made up her mind and turned to her grandmother.
“How about we bring Theo some breakfast? I doubt he’s eaten.”
Alice hesitated for a moment, doubt registering in her eyes. But then she stood and headed for the kitchen. “That’s a good idea. You go take a shower and get dressed. I’ll do the same, feed Scarlett, and then make a platter of deviled eggs and fruit and we can bring them over.”
After showering and dressing, Shelby called the dog walkers club members and let them know what was happening and that she was taking the day off. She also texted Logan that she would not be able to meet him today and a short explanation. He wished her luck. Everyone she called offered their full support and hoped for the best for Wally. Shelby promised to let them know as soon as she heard any updates.
When she returned, Alice had breakfast all packed up in a basket, including a thermos of fresh coffee, and was ready to go. “Are you sure I should come too?” Alice asked.
“Absolutely,” Shelby said. “I’ll feel better with you there too, just in case.”
Alice nodded and slipped on a light cardigan, and together they walked over to Theo’s. The morning birdsong filled the air. It always seemed to, no matter what was happening, even if your world was collapsing, Shelby thought. When they reached the house, all the blinds were closed, not a sound coming from inside. Shelby knocked on the door and they waited. At first no one answered, so Shelby knocked again.
Theo cracked open the door and peered out at them. He looked confused at their presence.
“We brought you breakfast,” Shelby said, holding up the basket.
Theo just stared at them, his face worn, eyes red.
“Trevor called and told us about Wally. We thought you could use some company.”
“We won’t stay long,” Alice said. “Perhaps a little coffee might help.”
He held open the door. “I’m sorry for my disheveled appearance. Please come in.”
Theo pushed his graying hair back with his hands. He looked like he had slept in his clothes, and not well.
Alice deftly set everything up in the dining room and gestured for them to sit at the table that faced the lake.
Shelby opened some of the curtains to let in some light, before sitting down to join them. She watched Theo sip the coffee, but he didn’t take a bite of the food. She was not sure what to say or do to make things better. The empty dog bed by the fireplace haunted the room.
“I called the dog walkers club,” she finally said. “Everyone sends their love and prayers for you and Wally.”
“That’s very nice,” Theo said. “He’s such a special dog.”
“Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help,” Alice said. “We’re always here for you.”
“Thank you,” he said, looking up at Alice. “That means a lot.” Theo reached for an egg and took a few bites. “Wally loves eggs. I wish…” His voice broke.
“When he’s home and better, I’ll make sweet Wally anything he wants,” Alice said.
A smile drifted across Theo’s face at Alice’s words. Shelby could see the difference it made when someone was really there for you. She finally felt that way herself since living with Alice and being friends with Theo. She thought of Logan and their times together and her heart felt full.
“I wish there was more we could do,” she said to Theo. She watched his eyes gaze longingly toward the dog bed.
Theo sighed then buried his head in his hands.
Shelby looked over to Alice, hoping her grandmother could help.
“Would you like us to wait with you until the vet hospital calls?” Alice asked.
Theo nodded but did not make eye contact. “I remember when we first brought Wally home,” he said. “One of Jean’s friends had gotten a puppy on a whim, and it proved too much for her to handle. I almost said no when Jean suggested we take the pup. And he was a handful,” he said wistfully. A sad smile crossed his face. “I’ve never been sorry we opened our home to him.”
They sat in silence as the clock on the mantle ticked away the minutes. No one touched their plate