He Gave Me Hearing, Then Taught Me What Silence Really Means novel Chapter 94

She was furious. Furious that a little dog named Lucky had been casually sold off by cruel adults, and heartbroken that Juniper's devastation had been completely ignored. They hadn't just sold a dog; they had sold her best friend.

Silence filled the car for several minutes. Juniper stared blankly ahead before suddenly breaking the quiet.

"I'm sorry, Zoe. I shouldn't have brought that up. Seeing Milo just made me think of him. Lucky was yellow, too."

Zoe didn't step on the gas. She took a slow, deep breath and leaned back against her seat. "The very first day I arrived in this city, I found Milo. He was just a tiny puppy, curled up in a dumpster, so fragile but so cute. He clamped onto my leg and refused to let go. I promised myself I was going to save him. I had almost no money, but I still spent thousands getting him checked out at the vet. He became my family. He walked with me through all the darkest days of my life. Juniper, I truly understand how you feel. If I hadn't found Milo today, I probably would have quit my job. Everything I've worked for would have felt entirely pointless. But listen to me—Lucky definitely doesn't blame you. You were a child. You didn't have the power to fight the adults. He will live forever in your memories, and maybe one day, he'll find his way back to you. No wonder Milo liked you instantly. You have a beautiful heart."

Zoe looked at Juniper through the rearview mirror. "I owe you an apology. I listened to Lydia Thorne's gossip and completely wrote you off. I'm not even going to ask what the truth is anymore. A girl who still mourns a dog named Lucky after all these years is not capable of doing the things they accused you of."

The car smoothly merged back onto the road, and Zoe drove Juniper straight to her apartment complex.

Juniper pushed the door open to step out. "Have a good night, Zoe."

But Zoe got out of the car, walked around, and pulled Juniper into a tight embrace. "You have to look forward. I can tell this has been buried inside you for a long time, and I'm glad you shared it. Juniper, we haven't known each other long, but I want you to be happy. You're an adult now. You have to learn to fight back. The things you didn't have the power to protect back then—you have to learn how to fiercely protect them now."

Juniper hadn't expected Zoe to say something so profound, especially speaking to her with the warmth of a protective mentor.

She froze for a few seconds before giving a small nod. "I will."

"You're completely soaked. Thank you again for tonight. Go up and take a hot bath. As for your leg... I don't know how it happened, but if you need to go to the hospital, I'll drive you right now."

Juniper's leg had an open wound, and the wet bandages meant dirty rainwater had already seeped in.

Not wanting to inconvenience Zoe any further, she shook her head. "I'll handle it."

Zoe was eager to get Milo home anyway, so she gently patted Juniper's shoulder. "I'll see you later, then."

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