With a goal in my mind, the second week was easier to get through, and my boss certainly seemed happy. His chance for a promotion to the regional manager was almost guaranteed, and he had been giving me strong signals that I had proven myself capable to take over. That Friday, there was a farewell party at the office, and over cake, my boss thanked everyone for all their hard work and support, and named me his successor, which of course pissed off everyone older than me, which pretty much means everyone.
The following week, after making sure that everything was in order and my pay matched my expectations, I went to the bank and got a mortgage. Afterwards, I called the real estate agency and made a down payment on the cabin. Life was good.
...…..
"Where are we going? It's too early for a walk," said Momo, her nose pressed to the car window.
It was late in the morning on Saturday and I was driving with the girls. Momo was wearing a hoodie to cover her ears and Sonja had a knitted hat.
I had expected them to complain about these clothes in the heat, but it seemed they were used to it from when they were furry animals.
Plus, it helped that the two of them were wearing short shorts, showing off their smooth legs.
"It's a surprise," I said with a smile.
Momo turned to me with a look of horror. "Are you taking Momo to the vet? Momo doesn't want a shot!"
"No, no, I'm not taking you to a vet. We're going somewhere really great. Trust me."
In the back seat, Sonja was happy and anxious, having missed being out in the sun and wondering where we were going.
We drove for an hour, crossing to the other side of Augusta as we headed for the more rural areas.
The long drive made the girls calm down, but as we reached the empty woods, they perked up, knowing that they would be let out of the car. Finally, we turned onto an unpaved driveway and drove up to the house.
I let the girls out of the car, the two of them as confused as could be.
"Master, where are we?" Sonja asked.
"We're home." From the way the girls looked at me, they might as well have had question marks hovering over their head.
"I just bought this house. Tomorrow, we're going to move all of our stuff and live out here, meaning that from now on, you girls can go in and out whenever you want, however you please."
Ecstatic smiles crossed their pretty faces, the two of them happier than I had ever seen them.
"Really?!" Sonja squealed.
"Yep, these woods are yours to explore and play in, and there shouldn't be anyone to bother you, so you can-"
I wasn't able to finish the words, as with perfect synchronicity, they both pounced and knocked me to the ground....