First day as a vet tech. They told me to come early and just sit in the waiting room, get a feel for the place.
I sat in the same plastic chair where I used to wait with my childhood dog, Daisy, during her last months.
The beagle next to me was shaking. His owner held him the way I used to hold Daisy, both hands, forehead pressed to his ear.
I had a bookmark in my jacket pocket from Page & Paws, the bookstore that used to be across the street. It closed three years ago. I still use it every time I read.
That bookmark was from graduation weekend, my mom's gift. She wrote on the back: do something that scares you.
I looked at the exam rooms, the scale, the little jar of treats on the counter. I didn't belong here yet.
But I stayed in that chair. Daisy would have stayed.
The beagle's owner caught my eye. I smiled. I said, he's going to be okay.
I meant all of it.