“Unwanted?” Ever said, quietly.

  Zoe set her jaw. “Pets are a popular gift, but people don't do their research. Not everyone is ready for the responsibility. Every single year right after the Christmas holiday, there is a huge influx of pets people don’t want anymore.”

  “But why would people get them just to not want them a few weeks later?”

  Zoe crossed her arms, letting out a mirthless laugh. “Because there are people out there who overestimate the size of their hearts." She closed the short distance between them, resting a cold hand on his chest. "Look, it’s not going to be pretty. I’m not going to make you stay here while I do what I need to do.”

  “I’m staying.” Ever reached out and squeezed Zoe’s shoulders; grateful, she nodded. Lacing her hand into his, they walked back through the automatic doors into the Four Seasons.

  Ever did his best to drown out the cacophony. Going by the pallor of Zoe’s face, she was only marginally doing better. The way she was squeezing his hand, he wasn’t there just for comfort. She abruptly let it go, marching to the end of the shelter.

  Roman was down on one knee, with a small, white box open at the side. Ever spied a number of vials packed in tight, the liquid inside terribly clear. The wire door to the enclosure he was facing was open. His hands were inside, just out of view.

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  “You’ve already started?” Zoe said, falling into a crouch next to her colleague.

  “Yep.” He had a look of intense focus on his face. “Mac’s been here the longest. I know you said to wait a little bit longer but…”

  Ever loomed over the two vets and stared into the cage. This was a breed of dog he had never seen before. While his coat was pepper grey with an afterthought of salt, his legs faded into fluffy, white sugar boots. His long facial fur was draped over his snout as he lay on the floor of the enclosure, a chewed up teddy bear just to the side. Logan cradled his head in one hand, gently stroking his face with his thumb.

  Mac’s soul stood over himself. Tail wagging, he sniffed at his own face, trying to make heads and tails of the situation.

  “Oh Mac…” As Zoe reached into the enclosure, Roman shuffled across. He closed the white box with a sharp click and stood up.

  “I’m going to do a few more,” he said. “My first patient isn’t until 10. Are you?...”

  “Yeah,” Zoe replied, looking up at him. “I’ll do a few. Maybe four or five. My first is at 9:30.”

  Roman nodded. The male vet lingered, meeting Ever’s gaze. After giving the slightest nod, he walked away.

  Ever sunk down next to Zoe. “Mac,” he called. The dog ghost’s folded ears perked up and he stood a little taller, taking a few tentative steps towards Ever. Mac sniffed Ever’s open palms and after deciding that he was friendly, hopped up on his hind legs to fall onto Ever’s leg – only to fall straight through.

  “Don’t change here,” Zoe said. “Just in case Roman comes back in here. Besides…”

  She relaxed her spine, letting herself be propped up against her boyfriend. Mac - as well as the many animal souls he was going to meet today - could wait.