It took a total of fifteen minutes for Mark to turn Sami and Molly over to Grandma Jo’s care. He informed Sami that he would be back later after he had seen his patients that evening. She nodded, but he felt she had already dismissed him, as she searched through the kitchen cabinets for Grandma Jo’s cleaning supplies. Chuckling, Mark looked up into Grandma Jo’s worried face. He signaled her to follow him as he walked out of the room. At the front door, Mark turned.

 “Grandma Jo, don’t look so concerned and stressed. Please, let Sami clean if that is her thing. Besides, it will keep her day occupied and hopefully should keep her ‘evil twin’, Mrs. Carter, buried within her. You can always return your house to its normal state after the treatment program.” 

Mark watched Grandma Jo’s face as she pondered his reasons. Finally, her shoulders relaxed. 

“Mark, I am uncomfortable with her doing this project, but I can see your point.” Scanning the cluttered room, she continued more cheerfully. “I have been meaning to give this old place of mine a good overhaul; maybe, this is the kick in the seat, I need.”

Mark held out his arms to her, and smiling, she walked into his embrace. “That’s my girl,” he said, as he lovingly patted her back. “Page me if you run into difficulties. I am going home now to get some much-needed rest and gather my things for the stay here. I’ll be back tonight after I am finished at Glendale. Do you want me to bring anything?”

 "I’m fine for now, but I might need to get some items tomorrow from the store,” she replied.

“It might be easier to shop at Sami’s,” he said, remembering the loaded shelves. He felt her giggle in his embrace and her head nod against his chest.

“I do believe you have a valid point there,” she said, breaking the embrace. “Now, get out of here. I’ve got work to supervise,” she declared.

Mark laughed and opened the door. Hearing Grandma Jo advising him to be careful, he waved his hand without turning around as he headed for his truck.

****

The buzzing of the alarm clock brought Mark out of his dreamless sleep. He was dazed and confused. Hitting the button of the alarm clock harder than he intended, he sent the clock crashing to the floor. Great, he thought, I could swear that I had just crawled into bed. Angrily, he sat on the edge of the bed, reaching for the blasted clock. Before he made contact with it, Ollie stepped into the path of his outstretched arm.

“Hey, boy,” Mark greeted Ollie. Immediately, his enraged spirit was calmed by the dog’s gentle presence. 

Ollie’s muzzle was inches from his face, and Mark knew what was about to happen, but was slow to react. The side of his face was the target for Ollie’s tongue. The residue of the sleep’s cobwebs was swept away by this action.

“Okay, boy,” Mark said, wiping the side of his face with the back of his hand. “I love you, too. Thanks for the reminder to take a shower.” Giving the dog a big rub on his back, Mark kissed the top of Ollie’s head and got out of bed.

Half an hour later, Mark placed his packed suitcase near the front door. Ollie approached him, wagging his tail. He turned and patted Ollie’s head. “I’ll be back for you later,” he reassured the dog. Closing and locking the door, he headed for his truck. He tapped his jacket pocket to reassure himself that his recorder, with a fresh tape, was there. Feeling the familiar bulk, he hopped into the truck and headed to Glendale.

After seeing his patients, Mark returned to his house and picked up his suitcase and Ollie. With these items securely in his truck, he headed back to Grandma Jo's house. Peering into Grandma Jo’s living room as she held open the door grinning widely at him, he was flabbergasted. He had expected to find the place cleaner, but the transformation was nothing short of a miracle. Not only was the room where he was standing free of clutter, but it was squeaky clean. It was so clean that the lamp's light, reflecting off the surface of the table, nearly blinded him. Even the furniture had been moved to a more fitting arrangement that en banced the appearance of theenhanc.

“You two have been busy,” he said truthfully, after taking in the scene. He stepped back a few feet from the doorway and scanned the front door for the house number. “I do believe that I have the wrong house. This can’t be Grandma Jo’s house.” The laughter from the two ladies in the house drew his focus back to them.

“Don’t fret,” Grandma Jo explained, “the rest of the house is still normal. It took us all day just in this room. God forbid that you should see my bedroom or the trash barrel. All the stuff that was out here has been gone through. Sami informs me that it might take months to whip me into shape.” As Grandma Jo spoke, she gazed over at Sami. Sami nodded excitedly in agreement, and her eyes were shining brightly.

Mark could not believe that Sami was the same woman he had left here this morning. Her long hair was wet and tied back in a ponytail. She had changed into the other sweatsuit. Grandma Jo noticed Mark’s appraisal of Sami.

 “We finished about an hour ago. We have been getting cleaned up ourselves and have just now sat down to admire our efforts.”

Not taking his eyes off Sami, Mark finally stepped into the house with Ollie right beside him. At Ollie’s entrance into the room, Sami’s eyes dropped to the dog. Mark saw the surprised expression cover her pretty face as she immediately crouched to the dog’s level. Being free from a leash and without any encouragement, Ollie approached Sami swiftly.

“Oh my, you are a cutie,” Sami spoke softly to Ollie, stroking the dog’s sides.

Mark was about to warn her of Ollie’s quick tongue, but he was too late. Ollie was already in the process of covering Sami’s face with doggy kisses. Mark stood there mortified at his dog’s behavior, but Sami didn’t react negatively. She let out a belly laugh.

“I’ve got something to show you,” Sami spoke softly to Ollie. Without looking at either Mark or Grandma Jo, she regained her footing and almost skipped out of the room with Ollie right behind her.

“So much for the howdy-do to me,” Mark said laughingly to Grandma Jo.

“Oh Mark, she has been in the best mood all day.” The rush of words came quickly from Grandma Jo. “We even went for a drive, back to her house for supplies. I’m guessing that what I had was not to her liking. I have not had one problem with her, but I must admit we didn’t talk about anything important. We mostly stayed busy cleaning. She even brought some of her music back with her to keep her motivated, or so she said.”

Mark eyed Grandma Jo’s entertainment unit, knowing that her equipment was old and out-of-date. He had believed that it didn’t even work. Grandma Jo caught his expression. 

“I know, I didn’t think it worked either, but she had it cleaned up and blaring music in less than ten minutes. I must admit, she is handy to have around the house.”

Barking interrupted them. It was coming from the back of the house. Concern made him run in the direction, dropping his suitcase on his way. Smart move, dummy, Mark scolded himself for not following Sami immediately, leaving her to fend for herself with the two large spaniels that had never met. With the help of his long legs, Mark reached the back door in record time. He stopped just in time to avoid running into Sami. Her back was to him with her hands clasped behind her, leaning up against a post at the end of the patio. Mark’s attention was drawn away from her by the excited yapping of the two dogs in the yard.

The two animals were in the process of circling the backyard, running side-by-side countering each other’s moves as if they were one. Mark watched fascinated. All at once, Molly and Ollie were acting like puppies again instead of old codgers. He knew that both of them were considered senior citizens in dog years, but neither was acting their age.

“I’ll have to give him a pain pill tonight if he keeps this up for much longer,” Mark spoke his thought aloud. His attention was drawn away from the playing animals by Sami’s movement. Her watery eyes shined in the light coming from behind him.

“They hit it off at first sight,” her voice held a hint of melancholy in her words.

“It appears so,” Mark answered. He wondered why the scene made her appear blue. He had not planned on starting her treatment tonight, but this development needed to be explored. “What’s happening, Sami?” he asked, switching to his professional voice.

She blinked her eyes a couple of times to clear the tears forming, and shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know,” she started quietly. Turning to view the playing dogs, she continued in a low voice. “Seeing them ao happy together frightens me.”

Mark heard the anxiety in her voice. 

“Why do you think you are reacting this way, Sami?” he asked, adapting to her quiet tone. He witnessed her shoulders becoming tense. Oh no, Mark thought, he had awakened the ‘evil twin’, Mrs. Carter. He studied her closely as he mentally prepared himself for the verbal abuse he suspected would be forthcoming. He watched her unclasp her hands slowly, as she visibly shook herself in front of him. The tension in her back melted away before she spoke.

 “I just don’t know. It puzzles me.”

Mark let out a sigh of relief. Good for you, Sami, you defeated her. He closed the distance between them and stood in her comfort zone, inches from her back. He wanted desperately to draw her into his arms to give her wounded spirits some support but suppressed the urge. Instead, he reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder. Turning her head, she looked up at his hand, and then into his eyes. 

“Help me, Dr. Stevens,” she pleaded, with tears sliding down her cheeks. “What’s wrong with me? Help me understand.” She turned under his hand and buried her head in his chest, placing her arms around him in a bear hug.

God woman, Mark thought, placing his arms around her, even you can read my mind? Mark stroked her back, letting her cry. He gazed out over the yard and saw the two dogs sitting about two feet off the patio. From the expression on their faces, he could swear that they were smiling. You are surely losing it, Mark thought to himself as he winked at the dogs. At this, the dogs both rose as one and tagged their hindquarters in unison. Mark chuckled at the two of them before him and knew that he should break the embrace with Sami. But, knowing and wanting were two different things, he thought reluctantly.

Wishing to prolong their contact, Mark probed again.

 “Sami, please voice what you’re feeling. Share with me. Open up. Trust me, so I may help you.”

Choking back the building emotions, but not releasing her grip on him, she pondered her feelings. 

“I don’t know if I can express how I feel in words,” she whispered into his chest.  

He had to tilt his head forward to hear her better. This movement resulted in placing his head so close to hers that her hair tickled his cheek. He urged her to continue. 

“Try.”

Several minutes passed before he felt and heard her take a deep breath. Her arms released the bear hug she had on him, and he feared the break of contact. Yet, his fear was unfounded as he felt her hook her hands together behind his waist. To peer into his face, she leaned back, easing her upper body off his chest and using her hooked hands for support. Their matching brown eyes locked as she fumbled for the proper words to explain her uneasiness. Mark saw her eyes cloud over and knew he needed to remain silent to give her time to organize her thoughts.

“Have I been wrong all these years?” she began. Her voice was void of emotion.

Sensing her difficult internal conflicts, he felt her begin to tremble against him. Wanting her to continue, he knew he had to calm her thoughts. Without thinking twice, he pulled her back into his embrace and pressed her head against his chest. She melted into his body as he stroked the back of her head. Almost immediately the trembling stopped. A smile played on his lips, as he congratulated himself for the results of his quick actions.

“I have given her everything,” Sami started again quietly. 

His smile vanished, as he tilted his head again to hear her softly spoken words.

“Everything I believed she required to make her life special. I know that because of me, I have limited her existence. It never occurred to me before tonight that keeping us isolated has not been the best thing for her. Four years ago, Jon made me aware that I survived the accident only to care for her. Today, he made me aware that I have failed in my obligation. Remind me to thank John for pointing out my error in judgment. It is apparent now, that I have not been the best caregiver.”

 Her last few words were barely audible for her volume level lowered as she spoke. Mark became aware of the dangers in this line of thinking. He was certain that she believed she survived the accident solely to care for Molly. Yet, he also had witnessed the unusually strong bond between these two females, and the agony Sami had demonstrated earlier with the thought of separation. He knew he had to divert these thoughts quickly and assure her that Molly had had the best care possible.

“Sami,” Mark began, still stroking the back of her head. "Listen to me. I believe you are incorrect.” He felt her body tense within his arms. “Don’t shut me out. Let me explain what I mean.”

 Her head nodded against his chest. Encouraged, he hurried on excitedly. 

“From what I have seen in the past two days, you have taken excellent care of that little lady out there.”

Mark glanced over her head at the two animals now laying side-by-side not more than a few feet in front of them. Seeing them gave him an idea of how to visually explain his conclusion. Slowly, he untangled himself from her hold and turned her around to face them whole keeping their bodies in contact.

“Sami, look at the two of them,” he directly softly. The two Spaniels stood as if on cue, knowing that they were now the center of attention. 

“Molly is the picture of health. Her condition is due to you and your loving care of her. To tell you the truth, I am a little bit envious of you both. Molly appears happy and healthy. She outshines my pet in all regards. She has the appearance of a pampered inside life rather than a harsh outside existence that I have seen. On the other hand, beside her, Ollie appears shaggy and unkempt.” He felt her chuckle at the reference. Smiling, he continued. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that I do not care for my dog. It is just that you have taken care of her better than you think. That animal relishes your love and attention. You are very much in charge of her wellbeing. The two of you are linked. Springer Spaniels are renowned for their loyalty, and her happiness is rooted in yours. Her unconditional love is for you alone, and there is no way that the two of you could ever part without the other being deeply wounded.  So, don’t you ever believe that she would be better off without you! No one in the world could replace you in that dog’s eyes.”

Sami stepped away from Mark and sat down on the edge of the patio. Within a matter of seconds, she found herself being nuzzled by the object of their conversation. Sami glanced up and found that Mark was receiving the same attention from his dog. Returning her eyes at Molly, Sami reached out, placed her hands on either side of the furry muzzle, and gazed deeply into the dog’s eyes. Yes, he just might be right, she thought and kissed the top of Molly’s head. Suddenly, Sami realized that Mark was standing beside her. 

“You’ve had enough for today,” Mark said softly, reaching for her hand. “Let’s get you to bed.”

Sami shook her head slightly at his suggestion. “I have to feed and brush Molly,” she said dryly.

“No, Sami, not tonight. I’ll take care of that for them both. You are very tired,” Mark told her, guiding her over to Grandma Jo who was standing by the back door. “You go with Grandma Jo. I’ll see you in the morning.” He handed her to Grandma Jo and watched as the two disappeared into the house.

Pivoting, he turned to the attentive dogs behind him. “Okay, you two. Are you hungry?” Stupid question, he thought as the two came charging at him. Quickly reversing direction, he entered the house to prepare their food. Molly skidded to a halt at the entrance, but Ollie flew through the open door at Mark’s heels. Mark felt the dog’s presence next to his leg and was surprised when he heard Ollie’s whine.

“What’s wrong, boy?” he asked looking down at him. 

He saw that Ollie was staring at the open back door. Mark turned in that direction. Molly’s sad eyes were darting from him to Ollie, then to the threshold of the door. Oh, Mark thought, you are not allowed inside. “Well girl,” he said, getting down on his haunches and signaling her to come in. “I can’t play favorites here.”

Molly watched him warily, not yet fully trusting him. Mark patted Ollie, standing next to him, to keep him from whining at Molly. “Tell her, boy, it’s okay to come in. Tell her that Grandma Jo lets you have the run of the house. Tell her that Grandma Jo loves animals and that she hasn’t yet found the right one to adopt after having to put to sleep her own beloved Muffy. Tell her about the doggy door that allows you to enter and leave the house on your own.” 

Mark never took his eyes off the hesitant animal. He watched as Molly placed one paw on the tile right inside the door. She stuck her head in a little way, scanning the interior. Mark heard Grandma Jo approaching, and saw Molly’s action freeze. As Grandma Jo rounded the corner into the kitchen, she immediately understood what was happening. All three sets of eyes were turned to her. Moving quickly to the door, she barked at the dog. “Get in here. Do you want to heat the outside?” Molly jumped at the sound of her voice and found herself completely inside the house as Grandma Jo closed the door behind her. Mark laughed and got to his feet. 

“Now, why didn’t I think of that?” he said. “Scare the dog into action.”

Molly adjusted quickly to the new freedom and joined Ollie at Mark’s feet. Smiling, Grandma Jo moved to give Mark a helping hand with the food preparation.

“She fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow,” Grandma Jo informed Mark as they made the meals.

“I had a feeling she would,” he commented. “I think she somehow wanted permission before she went.” Placing the bowls on the floor, they watched the dogs eat. “After I brush Molly, I believe I will turn in myself,” Mark informed her. “Even though I rested this afternoon, I still feel drained.”

“Good idea,” she encouraged. “We all have had a pretty eventful past two days.”

“I do believe you have hit the nail on the head,” Mark retorted.

“See you in the morning, Mark,” she said as she slowly walked out of the room. “The last bedroom on the right is yours.”

“Got it. Good night,” Mark called out as he walked to the back door followed by both dogs.

Mark spotted Molly’s brush on the patio table and sat down in the chair near it. As he picked up the brush, Molly moved in and positioned herself between his knees. Ollie took up residence next to the chair and stretched himself out. As Mark brushed Molly, his mind wandered back to Sami’s reaction to the playing animals.

“Is she that insecure?” he asked out loud, causing both animals to look at him. He saw their movement, and he addressed them. “Did I stress enough to her that her life is valid?” Shaking his head, he wished the animals could answer. He felt that the answer to the question would be an important clue in her road to recovery. Oh well, he thought, add this question to the many others that need to be resolved.

Mark’s focus returned to Molly. Her coat reflected the light. He glanced at Ollie and found the dog peering at him. “You know, buddy, her coat is in much better condition than yours, and you are an inside dog to boot. I guess you deserve a little attention, too.” 

He patted Molly’s side a couple of times, she got up, and Ollie took her place. Smart dogs, he thought, as he began to groom Ollie. Mark worked hard on Ollie’s coat for about ten minutes until it too shone in the light. Getting up, he cleaned out the mat of hair from the brush and tossed the hair away. He walked back into the house with both dogs following him.

As he headed to the bedroom that Grandma Jo had assigned him, Mark picked up the suitcase he had dropped earlier. Turning off lights as he went down the hall, he stopped at the first bedroom door across from the bathroom. Reaching into the bathroom, he turned on the light. The bedroom door was open, and he could see Sami lying on her side facing away from him. Lowering the suitcase to the floor, he walked farther into the bedroom. As he approached the bed, he could hear her soft, deep breathing indicating that she was fast asleep. Reaching over to the chair near the bed, he removed an extra blanket. Spreading it out on the floor, next to the bed, he signaled to Molly to enter the room.

Molly approached him cautiously. She sniffed the air and whined softly a few times when she realized that her mistress was on the bed. Molly turned back to Mark. He patted the blanket, and the dog moved to it and proceeded to lie down. Good girl, Mark thought, patting her head. He backed out of the room and moved to the bathroom. Moments later, he took a few steps further down the hall and turned into the last bedroom on the right, with Ollie right beside him.