Days of back–and–forth debates had left everyone frustrated, and I was completely drained–both mentally and physically.
That day, after a particularly grueling meeting, I stayed behind in the conference room to go over the notes once everyone else
had left. I wanted to sort through the chaos of the day.
That was when Edward suddenly appeared and leaned in slightly.
“The tabby’s due date is in the next couple of days. Since its injuries haven’t fully healed, the vet suggested I take it in for her
delivery. What do you think?”
Huh? Did he ask me for an opinion?
I turned to look at him, and his expression was as calm as ever as if this was the most normal, mundane question in the world.
Still, his words made me pause for a moment.
Honestly, I’d been so swamped lately that I’d completely forgotten about the cat. If he hadn’t brought it up, I wouldn’t have even
remembered.
When we’d decided to leave the tabby in his care, I’d said I’d find time to visit. Yet here I was, a month later, and I hadn’t gone
even once.
Feeling a twinge of guilt, I replied, “If everything’s been arranged, then of course, it shouldn’t be a problem…‘
“Do you want to come with me?” Edward suddenly asked.
I opened my mouth, but no words came out.
It wasn’t that I didn’t want to agree–it was the realization that the delivery date was only an estimate. In other words, there could be hours, maybe even an entire day, before the cat gave birth. That would mean extended time alone with him.
Wouldn’t that be a little inappropriate?
As if sensing my hesitation, Edward cleared his throat lightly and added, “It’s mainly because we rescued her together. You’ve been busy lately and haven’t had the chance to visit, but I thought it might be better if you were there for her delivery.”
He kind of had a point, didn’t he?
With my work–filled brain too exhausted to overanalyze, I hesitated only briefly before nodding. “Sure.”
