“Yes.” I nodded, my spirits lifting in a way I couldn’t explain. “I’d like to adopt her.”
The paperwork was quick, though my hand trembled as I signed. The worker packaged the blue tang carefully in a double-bagged pouch filled with oxygenated water, tucking it inside a small insulated box. Along with it came instructions, starter food, and notes about acclimating her to a new home.
The worker tapped the side of the insulated box. “She’ll be fine in here for a day, maybe two at most, butyou’ll want her in a tank as soon as you can. The sooner she’s settled, the better she’ll do.”
I nodded and thanked them again.
By the time I was carrying her out to my car, I was giddy, like I’d just done something secret and wonderful. I buckled the little box into the passenger seat and chuckled to myself. “Okay, girl, let’s go surprise Talon.”
Except … I didn’t know his address.
My excitement deflated a notch. How did one casually ask for someone’s address without making it weird? I chewed my lip, pulled out my phone, and started typing.
Livvi
Random question. Do you trust me enough to drop something off for you?
His reply came a minute later.
Talon
Depends. Are we talking food? Because I’ll always say yes to that.
I smiled, shaking my head.
Livvi
Not food. Just … something small. But you’ll have to give me your address, and I swear I’m not a serial killer.
The three dots appeared. A jolt of nerves ran through me until his answer finally came through.
Talon
You? A serial killer? Pretty sure the only thing dangerous about you is how much caffeine you consume.
Then another message came through: an address.
Talon
Here’s my place. But no hints? None at all?
I typed quickly before I could overthink it.
Livvi
Nope. Just trust me. You’ll see soon.
I set the phone aside, my heart pounding like I’d just made some enormous leap. The box shifted beside me, and I reached over to steady it with a gentle touch.
The drive back toward Talon’s was quiet except for the low hum of the engine and the wild rush of my thoughts.
Why was I doing this? Why did it feel so important to me that his tank wasn’t empty anymore? That he had something living and beautiful to take care of, to remind him he wasn’t alone?
The more I thought about it, the more nervous I became—not about the fish, but about what it meant. About whathemight think it meant.
I told myself it was just a gift, a thoughtful gesture for a friend. But deep down, I knew it was more.
Because for some reason Talon mattered to me. Maybe more than I was ready to say out loud.