Chapter 23 - Baxter Comes Home
Lysandra kept Baxter while Ambrose served custody and returned under probation.
At nine, Callum asked:
“Can I touch Baxter?”
My heart jumped.
Dr. Bell said:
“Ask him what he wants the setup to be.”
Callum chose:
Backyard.
Baxter on leash with professional trainer Mara.
Callum outside fence first.
No Ambrose.
Rafferty and me.
Mara brought Baxter.
Old dog.
Slower now.
Callum stood twenty feet away.
Baxter sat.
No bark.
Callum moved to fifteen.
Then ten.
Stopped.
“Enough.”
Mara said:
“Done.”
No:
One more step.
No:
You’re doing great, keep going.
Done.
Next visit:
Callum tossed treat.
Baxter ate.
Third:
Callum touched his back once.
Then pulled hand away.
“Soft.”
“Yes.”
“Does he remember me?”
Maybe.
Dogs remember scent.
Mara said:
“He knows you’re someone he’s met.”
Callum thought.
“Does he hate me for gate?”
“No.”
Mara answered.
“Dogs don’t build moral cases around accidents like people do.”
I nearly laughed.
Ambrose had spent a year doing exactly that.
Callum eventually liked Baxter.
Not adored.
He never became dog kid.
That was fine.
Recovery does not require loving what once frightened you.
May you like
Only freedom to choose.
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