The house was old and in need of repair. Despite her young age, she managed to help her father while he made repairs to the place. She handed him the screwdriver to install a new window, or opened a can of paint for the walls, or helped plant seeds in the abandoned garden in the backyard.
The house seemed to come to life with each stroke of a paintbrush or scrub of a window.
Each completed task brought renewal, both for the house and for her spirit. It felt good to see something so in need of repair get restored.
Maybe she could use this lake house to help heal a part of her that had been destroyed.
Carolina sat on the floor and leaned back against the wall of the bathroom. She still needed to bring in the new towels and washcloths she bought along with the other items for the bathroom.
She sighed and scrambled off the floor.
She needed to call and find out who could come and get the mattress and take it to the dump. Then she would have to get a new mattress to sleep on. She’d gotten so busy and let time slip away that now it was too late to try to find a furniture store.
She shook her head and walked into the kitchen and pulled out a bottle of water from the refrigerator. She took a long drink and looked around at her progress.
Still so much to do. She wasn’t sure how much money she had either. She needed to check her account before she bought anything else.
She sighed and looked out at the lake.
She saw a flash of movement on her deck. She froze.
The nearest house was not that close and she was not expecting anyone this late. It was almost nine o’clock.
With her heart thumping in her chest she pulled open the drawer. Her hand landed on a plastic knife.
She groaned in frustration. She should have bought some proper silverware when she was shopping but hadn’t put it on the list.
She certainly couldn’t defend herself with a piece of plastic.
Gathering up every bit of courage, she edged closer to the back door that led out onto the deck.
The dark figure was crouched near the patio furniture. With a trembling hand she flipped the light switch.
She squinted.
The figure darted from under the chair to the end of the steps on four legs.
It was a black dog.
Filled with relief she opened the door and stepped outside. “What are you doing here? Are you lost?” She edged closer.
She noticed the skeletal frame of the black dog and realized the poor animal had not eaten in a while. She wrapped her arms around herelf as the wind picked up.
“I’ve got some food for you little guy.” She walked back inside but didn’t close the door. She didn’t want to scare him off.
She pulled out a paper plate and made a sandwich. She cut the food into tiny pieces and then grabbed a plastic bowl from underneath the sink and ran some water in it. She turned and then stopped.
The black dog had come inside and curled up on one of her bags with the towels in it.
“Hey, you can’t sleep there. I need those towels.” She scowled but didn’t have the heart to make him move.
“Fine. At least come eat.” She set the plate of food and water down near the dog.
He eyed her and slowly stood and sniffed the food before scarfing it down.
She walked over to the door and shut it. The dog was now standing and looking at her as if he didn’t agree with her shutting the door.
“Look it’s too cold to leave the door open. Besides it’s not safe.” She shrugged and walked into the kitchen. Her stomach rumbled, signaling she’d not eaten all day.
