“Woof woof!” The golden retriever puppy barked eagerly in response.
James chimed in with a grin, “Honestly, I think ‘Woof Woof‘ is kind of a cute name!”
The puppy turned to James and let out a whimper, sounding adorably aggrieved.
James’s eyes widened in surprise. “No way, did it just understand me?”
“Golden retrievers are really smart,” Briony replied, smiling. “I think he just doesn’t like your name. He probably prefers ‘Lucky‘”
“Woof woof!” the puppy barked again, clearly in agreement.
Watching the puppy respond to Briony’s every word, James shook his head in mock defeat. “Alright, I give up! You really are his chosen human.”
For the first time in days, Briony’s lifeless eyes brightened, just a little, as she looked at the puppy.
She was about to let the puppy out when a familiar voice suddenly echoed from outside- “Mom!”
Briony froze in place.
The studio door had been left ajar, and Stewart walked in, Irwin close behind.
“Mom!” Irwin called out again, running toward her with a pet carrier clutched in his arms.
Briony stood up, her expression calm as she watched Irwin approach. He wore a knitted beanie, his cheeks rosy and lively–clearly, he was on the mend.
James got to his feet too, shoving a hand into his pocket and muttering under his breath, “Why is this kid here again?”
Stewart followed quietly, his sharp gaze narrowing slightly when he noticed James.
Irwin stopped in front of Briony, beaming with excitement as he lifted the carrier high. “Look, Mom! I brought you something!”
Briony was taken aback,
Irwin was giving her a cat?
She’d never been much of a cat person, but knowing this was a gift from Irwin, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of emotion.
Looking at his innocent, hopeful face, she couldn’t resist asking, “Why are you giving me a cat?”
“Because Mom Rosita says every woman loves cute little animals like kittens!” Irwin replied, matter–of–factly. At that, Briony’s brow furrowed, and the faint spark of hope in her chest quickly died out.
Irwin went on enthusiastically, “Mom Rosita said Grandma Julia isn’t here anymore, so you must be really lonely. She told me a kitten can keep you company instead of Grandma Julia. That way, you won’t miss Grandma Julia so much!”
That last line-“a kitten canteplace Grandma Julia“-stabbed Briony straight in the heart.
She looked at Irwin, struggling to keep her rising anger in check. Her voice was tight. “I don’t need it. Take it back.”
“Why?” Irwin’s face fell, confusion clouding his big eyes.
“Why don’t you want the kitten, Mom? I picked it out just for you! It’s really cute, and Mom Rosita said you’d love it. Why don’t you want it?”
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Chapter 106
“I just don’t want it. Take it away!” Briony’s chest heaved as she fought to stay calm. “Irwin, I’ll say it one more time–take it away!”
Irwin’s lower lip trembled. Hugging the carrier to his chest, he turned away slowly, shoulders slumping.
Watching his defeated little figure, Briony squeezed her eyes shut in pain.
Irwin took a few steps, simmering with anger, then suddenly spun around and yelled, “You’re so mean, Mom!”
Briony’s eyes snapped open in shock.
Tears streaming down his cheeks, Irwin glared at her and shouted, “I put so much thought into your present, and you don’t even care! You’re nothing like Mom Rosita! When I gave her a kitten, she was happy and said I was so thoughtful! Why can’t you be like Mom Rosita?”
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