Deep within thought at her desk, Auntie Kiki was startled by the sound of scratching on her door. She at once wondered if one of the Boss’s pets had gotten loose again. Loving and adorable as they were, she could not help, but cringe at the memory of the mess that Mani, the lemur, had made the last time. Thanks to him, the hallway outside the copy room had smelt like sardines and peanut butter for weeks despite many deep cleanings.
“Hello?” Auntie Kiki called. “Who’s there?”
The only response she received was more scratching.
Auntie Kiki sighed. “Oh boy.”
Our brave protagonist arose from her chair and walked to the door. Cautiously, she unlocked it and opened it a crack to look out. She was amazed at what she was seeing. Sitting before her was this gorgeous blonde and white German Shepard/Labrador mix. Her name was Lili and she once belonged to Auntie Kiki’s best friend.
Opening her door widely, she threw her arms around the dog and began to cry.
“Lili! Lili!” She said, tears falling down her cheeks. “Where did you come from? I’m so happy to see you!”
The dog, in response, simply licked her face and let herself be cuddled.
“Oh, Lili! I’m so glad you’re here. I knew that Chauncey cat and Eliza puppy were with Anne’s grandmother, but I didn’t know what had happened to you. This is amazing!” Auntie Kiki said, ushering Lili in.
Lili walked around the room. She sniffed at the tabletop garden. She seemed to examine Auntie Kiki’s paintings. Finally, she hopped up onto the couch and looked at Auntie Kiki.
“Not much of a place, but it’s home.” said Auntie Kiki in reply.
“It’ll do.” Lili half barked/half spoke.
Auntie Kiki looked at her wide eyed.
“Yes?” asked Lili, laughing.
“How are you talking?” asked Auntie Kiki, using all her strength to remain standing.
“I’ve always spoken, but you never listened. Anne listens, but not well enough.”
Auntie Kiki slowly sat on the couch. Lili put her paw on Auntie Kiki’s hand.
“I’m here to help you, Marie…umm…I mean Auntie Kiki.” She rolled her eyes.
Auntie Kiki smiled at Lili. Lili was a reminder of much simpler days. Back when she was alive and ordinary Marie. Back before she became an aunt to a precious little girl who would christen her with the nickname “Auntie Kiki.” Back when life was playing video games and eating fast food with the girl’s mom, enjoying being young and healthy. Long before getting sick and becoming the entity that she is today. Looking at Lili made her homesick, but also made her feel at home again.
“To help me? With what?”
“You can’t help others if you don’t feel like yourself.” Lili patted Auntie Kiki on the arm.
“I do though.” Auntie Kiki protested.
Lili gave her a look and shook her head. “A little bird told me--”
“Lili, I’m empathetic towards my cases.” Auntie Kiki interrupted.
Lili nuzzled down into the couch and yawned.
“Lili, come on!”
“Think of me as your sidekick.” Lili said before drifting off to sleep.
Auntie Kiki sighed. She remembered how she used to love watching Lili sleep. Frustrated as she felt, she found herself stroking the dog’s head, enjoying the sound of her snoring. Before she knew it, she was asleep too. Perhaps spending time with Anne’s dog would be helpful after all.
