Tuesday Tales: From the Word WATCH

Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales, the weekly blog where authors share their works in progress with you. I’m working on a Christmas story, Forever in my Heart. Each week, we write to a word or picture prompt. This week, our word is WATCH and I’ve used a form of the word. Enjoy!

Like a robot, Mike ended the call and finished bandaging Cupcake before putting her back inside her cage. The cat would spend the night at the animal hospital under the watchful eye of his night staff.

Moving to the basin, Mike washed his hands before removing his surgical gear. Gritting his teeth to mask the pain, he stepped into the small lobby.

Lucy stood next to his assistant, Danny. From the grim look on their faces, the sheriff had shared the news with his wife before speaking to him, not surprising since the couples were close friends.

“The Madsen cat is ready to go to Recovery. We’ll keep her overnight. Call Mildred to let her know the animal will be fine and she can pick her up in the morning.” He turned to the young vet. “Danny, you’re going to have to take over. By now I’m sure Lucy’s told you about the accident.”

The sheriff’s wife blushed.

“I know you didn’t mean anything by it, and she’s your friend,” he said, his voice filled with concern and sympathy. “Carl’s driving me to the scene, just north of Lake Louise. In this weather, it’s going to take twice as long to get there. Call in Allie or one of the others to help out. The night staff comes on at eight. I’ll let you know what’s what when I get there.”

“Of course, Mike,” Lucy said. “You tell my husband to be careful. Last thing we need is two accidents today.” She reached out her hand and touched his arm. “I hope they’re both okay.”

He licked his lips and nodded. He hoped so, too—but he doubted it. His guts were still on fire, and it was a miracle he could stand, let alone walk. He grabbed his coat and boots, shoved a knitted cap and his gloves into his pockets and was out the door seconds before the sheriff arrived.

The cold cut through him, just as it had that fateful day twenty years ago, the day his parents had been killed in an avalanche while he’d survived. Almost destroyed by guilt and remorse, he’d left Timberton for Calgary and veterinary college, where he’d specialized in large animal care, avoiding coming back to the small town as much as he could, but the bond between him and Jake … His twin had stayed and had taken over the family ranch.

That’s it!

Stay safe and don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales