Undying Read Online Free Page B

changes.
      A good day comes to a close as the sun slowly plummets towards the horizon. I cruise us home in her car. After I got paid, the first thing I did was take my car into the shop. I'm having every part that even slightly seems off replaced. It was nice too, for the first time in my life, throw down several grand and not care enough to remember exactly how much it was. Liberating, to say the least. We see the pet store up ahead and she insists that we stop. Why not? She doesn't know it but I'm planning on getting her a puppy for Christmas. She's been asking for one for years now. I think it's about time to start browsing at the selection. We pull in and find a parking spot with ease. The streets haven't been very busy today. A ton of car accidents though. I hate the drivers in this town, never looking where they're going.
      There's something calming and nostalgic about the pet store. Looking at everything from the creepy reptiles, fish, and spiders to the cute puppies, kitties, and birds brings out a happy feeling that reminds me of childhood. Watching Penelope get excited for each new critter we come across brings me a great deal of joy. Her smile is infectious. I can't help but interrupt something she's saying by kissing her. Her eyes light up like they haven't in awhile. I think everything is going to be okay. I take her hand and lead her to the puppies. I pay extra close attention to which one melts her heart the most. She seems partial to the little ones with the big bug eyes. I don't care. If it makes her that happy every time she sees it, it is money well spent. I grin secretively and suggest that we head home. She agrees. I think we are both ready to have dinner and relax anyway. Besides, we need to rest because tomorrow is a new day. Now, with my confidence restored, I'm going to make the best of things.
      A stranger, not looking, bumps into me. In all fairness, I wasn't paying the best of attention to where I was going either. He's a goofy guy, just a couple years younger than myself. He has a bright red baseball cap on backwards. We apologize to each other at the same time and laugh. He seems like a nice guy. Then he notices her. He recognizes her. I can tell from his, all of a sudden, ear to ear smile.
      "Penelope!" Yep. He knows her.
      It's cool. I've come a long way, too far to start being an insecure child, now. Things are better and no random guy is going to change that. That's my ring on her finger and my bed that we sleep in every night. So, what's there to worry about? For some stupid reason the tragic tale of Hector comes to mind. I automatically toss that poisonous thought aside. There is no room in my life for paranoia. I let them talk. I gather from the conversation that they know each other from a yoga class she took some time ago. I remember she was bugged that I wouldn't go with her. Seriously, what normal guy has time for that yoga stuff? Weird guys with backwards hats? Yeah, no thanks. They say goodbye and we head for the exit. I try to ignore that she didn't introduce us. You know, I bet Hector was a nice guy that did everything he could for his wife. Good old worthless paranoia. It doesn't do anything but ruin your night. We make our way to the car and head home. I find myself being oddly quiet. I know I'm doing it, but there's no small talk coming to mind. Everything in my mind are things I really don't want to get into. Not now. Not ever again. She tries to bring up some topics. I don't contribute much to the conversation. Just a laugh or a robotic "Oh, yeah?" It goes back to awkward silence and the short car ride feels like forever.
      We pull up to our home. Still no sight of the family cat. Usually he's waiting in the driveway or the window. It's dark, now. I hope he comes home tonight. I'll leave his little door open for him. I can hear a woman shouting a few houses down the street. Domestic disputes are all too common in today's society. I don't have time to worry about