A day at the Vet

Dear Diary,

So,

He is back. Remember John “22” Times Carter. (Read Chapter 2) I’ll wait…..

All caught up, I hope so.

It was 9 AM, I was sipping my not-cardboard coffee ( I started making my own at the office. Shusshhhhh) when Susan poked her head in.

"Dr. Harvey, your 9 AM is here."

I glanced at my schedule, expecting a routine session. But then Susan added, "It’s John Carter."

I nearly choked on my coffee.

"Wait. John Carter?"

She nodded, oblivious to my internal panic.

"Cool, cool, cool, cool, just… uh, give me a sec."

I took a deep breath. Last time John was here, he casually confessed to murder like he was discussing his weekend plans. After not reporting him (because Google said I technically didn’t have to unless there was an imminent threat), I spent weeks looking over my shoulder. But then her wife Lisa, I think came to my house to talk about him and then suddenly left.

But here he was. Again.

I plastered on my best calm therapist face and walked into the session.

9-05 AM

"Doc," John greeted me, settling into his chair.

"John," I nodded, forcing a neutral expression. "How’ve you been?"

He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Better. But not great."

"Tell me about it," I said, subtly checking that my office door was unlocked.

John leaned forward. "Doc, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I told you last time."

“hmmmm,” I nodded, pen poised, even though my brain was screaming: Oh God, he’s about to double down on the murder thing.

"I need to come clean," he continued.

"Okay," I said carefully. "You mean... about the men you—?"

"Yeah," he exhaled. "It’s been eating me up inside. I can’t sleep. I see them in my dreams. I wake up sweating, panicking. My wife is worried about me. I need to do the right thing."

Holy shit. He’s going to confess. Calm down.

"That’s… a big decision," I said, measuring my words. "Have you thought about what that means for you?"

"Yeah," he nodded, staring at his hands. "I want to turn myself in."

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. This wasn’t what I expected when I came in today but you know, I get it. John wasn’t really a psychopath, even back then I could tell he was a man drowning in guilt and he wanted out. He had a conscience, ignoring the ‘murder thing’ he seems like a cool dude to hang out with…I am busy though so I can’t hangout as the rest of you but you should give him a chance…when he gets out of jail that is.

"You’re doing something incredibly difficult," I told him. "But if this is what you feel is right, I can support you through it."

He looked relieved. "Thank you, Doc. I needed to hear that."

We spent the next half-hour talking through his options. I gave him the contact for a lawyer I trust, walked him through what to expect, and—most importantly—didn’t freak out when he thanked me for not turning him in earlier.

When he left, I sat back, staring at my ceiling and thought…My life I weird.

At 12 PM I had lunch with Daphne and told her the entire thing.

"You helped a murderer turn himself in?" Daphne asked, stabbing her salad dramatically.

"Alleged murderer," I corrected.

She gave me a look. "Max, you said he shot them twenty-two times each."

"Okay, fine, not alleged," I admitted. "But still, it’s… complicated."

She sighed. "Only you would attract a guy like that as a patient."

"You say that like it’s my fault."

She pointed her fork at me. "It is your fault. You’re the guy crazies feel comfortable around. That’s on you."

“Why do you always say that?”

"Anyway," she continued, "how do you feel about it?"

"Honestly?" I shrugged. "Relieved. I think he really wants to make amends."

Daphne stared at me for a moment, then smirked. "You care too much, Maxxy."

I rolled my eyes. "That’s literally my job, Daffy."

She stole a fry off my plate. "Yeah, yeah. So, what’s the plan for the rest of the day?"

"Clinic until three, you?”

“I Got a photoshoot at four. I’ll drop by at five to pick you up.”

“Actually, I’m taking the kittens to the Vet uptown.”

Her eyes widened. "You’re taking them?"

"Well, I mean…" I shifted in my seat. "No one else was gonna do it. And their mom trusts me, so…"

Daphne gasped. "Max. Are you… adopting them?"

I groaned. "They’re stray kittens, Daphne. I’m just making sure they’re okay."

"You’re adopting them," she grinned.

I ignored her and shoved a fry into my mouth.

At 3:30 PM I took the kittens and their mother to the clinic. I got a ride home from Stephen who was hyper from drinking excess coffee.

Getting five kittens into a cardboard box without losing an eye? Harder than it sounds.

After much hissing (from them) and swearing (from me), I finally got them into Stephen’s car and drove to the vet.

The receptionist gave me a knowing smile. "Another stray rescue, Dr. Harvey?"

"I do not collect strays," I insisted.

She glanced at the box of kittens.

"Okay, maybe just these ones," I muttered.

The vet came out, a female vet. She looked about mid-thirties but something about her was so familiar.

“Max?” she asked smiling.

“Uhm…”

She pointed at her chest. “Nicole? From the park?”

A strange recognition slowly washed over me.

“Woah, Nicole, yeah. The hot lady from the park…”

God, why did I say that.

I thought she would be annoyed but she wasn’t. she even smiled.

“Okay, what do we have here?” she said stepping closer to the cardboard.

The hot lady…I mean Nicole checked them over, they were healthy, but hungry. The mom was in good shape too aside from not eating for some time which malnourished her.

"They’ll need food, vaccinations, and a place to stay," Nicole said.

I nodded. "Right. I’ll… figure that out."

As I walked out with the box of squirming furballs, Nicole put her hand on my shoulders.

“It was nice to see you again, Max,” she said gazing into my eyes. 

“Ye-yeah….and you too, doctor…”

“Call me Nicole,’ she interrupted.

Before I left she asked me to give her my contact information so she could get in touch when necessary. I felt my phone buzz and I checked it and walked out thanking the receptionist. It was a message from Daphne.

Daphne: So, when are you gonna tell me you’re keeping them?

I groaned.

I was not keeping them.

Maybe just for a little while. Until they find a good home.