Page 10 of Rogue Wave

I stayed over at Dottie’s house for most of the day. She fed me again, and we watched a movie in her living room, where I promptly fell asleep and napped for a solid three hours—likely from the adrenaline crash. Then George came over, and we played some Uno.

I knew they were just trying to keep my mind off what had happened at the beach, and I was okay with that.

Dottie reminded me a lot of Auntie. An older version, of course, but having that similarity made me feel at ease and comfortable around her.

My phone buzzed on the table, and I saw my sister’s name pop up on the screen.

Gale:

I would like everyone to know that Kevin chose violence today.

Gale:

It did not end well…for me.

I snorted, knowing our resident ostrich could be a handful regularly.

“Good to hear you laugh,” Dottie said, bringing me more tea. “What’s so funny? If you don’t mind a little prying from an innocent old lady.”

That was Dottie’s way of getting you to tell her all the gossip without it feeling like you were gossiping.

“We have an ostrich that lives on our family farm—Kevin—and according to my sister, he’s been extra sassy today.”

“You named an ostrich Kevin?” George asked, amusement all over his face.

“Yeah, we thought he looked like the bird from the movie Up when we were younger, so that’s how he got his name.”

George just smiled back at me, but Dottie was giddy with excitement, as though I had just given her some big, thrilling news.

“Tell us,” she said, sitting next to me with her own refilled cup of tea. “I don’t know anything about ostriches. What happened?”

I quickly read through the rest of the texts so I could get the full scoop.

Gale:

I am now covered in mud from head to toe, and Bob and Larry refuse to come out of the barn because Kevin hissed at them once two hours ago.

Anna:

LOL

Mom:

I’m on my way back from the store, so I’ll help as soon as I get home.

Iris:

Pics or it didn’t happen!

Auntie:

I’ll be over in a minute to help you get Bob and Larry moved.

Iris:

Auntie…don’t forget pictures!

Cora: